Search

Purpose: Although the prevalence of a discoid lateral meniscus is relatively rare, estimated at approximately 0.4% to 5.0% in the Western world, studies have shown that the incidence is significantly higher in Asia, particularly in South Korea and Japan, ranging from 10.5% to 16.6%. On the other hand, previous studies that reported the incidence of discoid lateral meniscus mainly relied on patients who underwent arthroscopic or open surgery. This study examined the incidence of discoid lateral meniscus using a magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnostic approach. Materials and Methods: This study conducted a retrospective review of the prevalence of discoid lateral meniscus in 10,810 male patients with knee pain who underwent magnetic resonance imaging at the author’s single institution between January 2013 and January 2023. The mean age of the patients was 42.55±15.93 years old (range: 12 to 82). The patient demographics, including age, were analyzed. The characteristics of the discoid lateral meniscus were also analyzed, including the subtype and presence of a combined lateral meniscus tear. Results: This study identified 1,025 patients (9.5%) with a discoid lateral meniscus, including 129 with the complete subtype, 893 with the incomplete subtype, and 3 with the Wrisberg-type subtype. Although there was no significant difference in prevalence between sexes, the highest diagnosis rate of discoid lateral meniscus was observed in the 41–60-year-old (10.1%) age group, which was statistically significant (p=0.025). Among the 164 patients with a concurrent lateral meniscus tear, the horizontal type (80 patients, 48.8%) was the most frequently observed. Conclusion: While the incidence in the present study was slightly lower than that reported in previous arthroscopic-based studies, the findings still suggest a relatively high prevalence of discoid lateral meniscus in Korea compared to other countries. In contrast to earlier research that suggested a decline in incidence with age, this study found that the incidence of discoid lateral meniscus was highest among individuals aged 41–60 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imperative for immediate action to address early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) arises from the rapid increase in patient numbers and the considerable economic impact. Currently, managing early-stage OA is fraught with difficulties, encompassing the absence of precise diagnostic and classification criteria, effective risk factor assessment, patient stratification, disease-modifying therapies, and comprehensive management strategies. Considerable efforts are being made to define and categorize patient populations, so-called stratification with symptomatic early-stage OA, through validated classification criteria. Accurate disease staging is essential for guiding early intervention strategies and effective patient management. Proper identification of early-stage cases is vital for implementing proactive measures that alleviate the disease burden. Biomarkers play a pivotal role in identifying and understanding early-stage OA. Validated biomarkers could offer insights into disease risk, progression, and potential therapeutic targets. This holds promise for guiding clinical studies, facilitating intervention trials, and advancing novel therapies. Preventive strategies, including lifestyle modifications and targeted interventions, can potentially reduce the long-term impact of OA. This involves structured education, exercise, weight management, and addressing lifestyle-related risk factors for disease progression. Implementing these actions requires a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and patients. Embracing these strategies can advance the understanding, management, and prevention of OA, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by this challenging condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging for orthopedic surgeons to diagnose pain at the ulnar aspect of the wrist due to the small and complex anatomical structures involved. Ulnar-sided wrist pain can also result from tendon problems, including extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. Disorders of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon include subluxation, dislocation, stenosing tenosynovitis, and tendinopathy. Unlike the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon which is prone to subluxation, dislocation and stenosing tenosynovitis from passing through as sheath, a flexor carpi ulnaris tendon is unsheathed, and calcific tendinitis and crystal deposition disease can occur at the distal tendinous portion of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]