Arthroscopic treatment of the discoid lateral meniscus. Technique and long-term results.

Forty-five patients (49 knees) who had torn complete or incomplete discoid lateral menisci were treated during the period from 1968 to 1980. Both instrumentation and specific techniques considerably evolved in the arthroscopic complete excision the torn discoid meniscus. The current technique involves the initial removal of the anterior portion of the meniscus, as this allows clearer visualization during the procedure, more space for manipulating surgical instruments, and a reduced operative time. Twenty-four knees (22 patients) were followed for a mean of four years three months. Of this group, 78% were rated excellent or good and 21% were rated fair. There were no poor results. The results in the group treated by total meniscectomy were better than those in the group treated with partial meniscectomy. Three patients were treated by peripheral meniscal repair under arthroscopic control, but the long-term results are not available.