Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, and Functional Outcomes of Discoid Lateral Meniscus in Indian Children: A 10-Year Single-Centre Cohort Study

Background: Discoid lateral meniscus is a relatively uncommon congenital anomaly of the knee, with reported prevalence ranging from 0.4% to 16.6% and higher rates in Asian populations. However, epidemiological and outcome data in Indian children remain limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical profile, morphological variants, and functional outcomes following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in a pediatric Indian cohort. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 children (aged 4–16 years) who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus between January 2010 and February 2020. Diagnosis was based on clinical, radiological, and arthroscopic findings. Menisci were classified according to Watanabe’s system with Monllau’s modification. Functional outcome was assessed using the Lysholm knee score preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. Results: The mean age was 9.3 ± 2.7 years, with 13 boys and 11 girls. Bilateral involvement was identified in 25% of cases. Pain was the most frequent symptom, reported in two-thirds of children, while snapping and locking were less common. Arthroscopically, 14 knees had complete discoid meniscus, 9 had incomplete type, and 1 had a Wrisberg variant. Intra-substance tears were present in 11 children (45.8%). The mean Lysholm score improved from 67.8 ± 8.6 preoperatively to 92.5 ± 8.4 at 12 months (p < 0.001). Outcomes were graded as excellent in 50%, good in 41.7%, and satisfactory or poor in 4.2% each. No intraoperative complications or radiographic degenerative changes were observed. Conclusions: This 10-year cohort represents one of the largest pediatric series of discoid lateral meniscus reported from India. Compared with Western reports, our children presented at a younger age, with pain rather than snapping as the predominant symptom, and had a higher rate of bilateral involvement. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy provided excellent functional outcomes in most cases, supporting meniscus-preserving techniques as the treatment of choice in children.