discoid meniscus, an abnormal condition characterized by a discoid rather than a semilunar shape of the cartilaginous meniscus of the knee. The lateral meniscus is usually affected, although the medial meniscus may also become involved. The condition is a developmental anomaly that is asymptomatic in infants and young children; it appears most often between 6 and 8 years of age. Common complaints are that the knee joint clicks or gives way. These characteristics are often but not always associated with an injury to the knee. Examination demonstrates the clicking, usually during the last 15 to 20 degrees, when the knee is moved from flexion to extension. Surgical excision of the meniscus is seldom warranted in treating this benign condition.
