title: A new symptomatic intra-articular cord-like structure associated with discoid meniscus.
abstract: We introduce a new, not yet described cord-like structure of the knee of children associated with discoid or enlarged menisci. This structure was responsible for knee pathology (loss of extension) in 3 cases. The patients (5 to 8 years of age) complained of knee pain without skeletal abnormality or trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlarged or discoid lateral menisci. The patients showed increasing limp with limited range of motion. Lack of extension was between 10 degrees and 45 degrees and continued under anesthesia. During arthroscopy, the menisci and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL, PCL) showed no abnormality other than the variant of the lateral meniscus described above. A tight cord-like structure was imposed, running laterally along the ACL. This cord-like structure was attached to the lateral femoral intercondylar area and the posterior horn region of the lateral meniscus in a sail-like shape. Two knees showed abnormal mobility of the lateral meniscus, tending to luxate. The ligamentous structure was cut stepwise lateral to the ACL, leaving the entire lateral meniscus undisturbed. Finally, full extension was achieved. Examination 7 to 27 months after surgery showed asymptomatic knees. This ligamentous structure is an important differential diagnosis to symptoms usually referred to as meniscus pathology. The appropriate treatment involves dissection. A loss of meniscal tissue followed by development of osteoarthritis can be prevented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopic Surgery and Traumatology, Lubinus-Clinicum, Hospital for Orthopaedic Surgery, Kiel, Germany. h.laprell@lubinus-klinik.de
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Laprell
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wischatta
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hezel
authors.forename: Jakob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fay
mesh_terms: D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular