The menisci in the knee joint are required for

• Compensation of incongruity between the femur and tibia
• In the distribution of joint pressure
• Shock absorber, for stabilization of the knee, in provision of rotation, in spreading of synovial fluid, and in nutrition of articular cartilage.

An intact meniscus transmits 70 to 90 percent of the total load across the knee joint. Therefore, it is desirable to preserve the meniscus whenever possible.

A conservative nonoperative method of management is recommended In the treatment of discoid meniscus  if pain and functional disability are minimal.

SIlent discoid menisci  require no treatment. however, they should be kept under observation.

Conservative measures

• Immobilization of the knee
• Restriction of physical activity
• Progressive exercises for the quadriceps.

Operative Measures

If the knee locking persists their is functional disability or pain partial or complete excision of the discoid meniscus is indicated.

Diagnostic arthroscopy is carried out to know the pathologic changes and the type of discoid meniscus.

Partial resection of the discoid meniscus is preferred when it is of the complete or incomplete type with minimal tearing and slight degeneration

Excision of the entire meniscus is performed when it is of the Wrisberg type  or when it is torn and there is marked degenerations.

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