Analysis of Lateral Meniscus Injury-Non-discoid versus Discoid -

Purpose: To know about the clinical characteristics such as causes, types, associated injuries and treatment of the lateral meniscus injuries. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed for 129 lateral meniscus tears which were divided into 2 groups, Non-discoid and Discoid. Analysis included age and sex distribution, causes of injury, types and location of tear, associated injuries, and methods of treatment. Results: Both Non-discoid and Discoid were prevalent in man and Discoid group was equally distributed through 2 to 5 decades and Non-discoid group was more prevalent in 4 to 5 decades. Sports injury was the most common cause in both groups and the Nondiscoid group tended to sustain minor injuries compared to Discoid group. Complex tear and body was most common type and site of tear in both groups. Associated injuries were common in Non-discoid group and isolated injuries were common in Discoid group. Partial meniscectomy was commonly done in Non-discoid group and subtotal meniscectomy in Discoid group based on the types of tear. Conclusion: Non-discoid and Discoid lateral meniscus injuries are similar in types and sites of injuries but different in causes of injury, associated injuries and methods of treatment. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment would be necessary according to the characteristics.