RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the curative effect of arthroscopic treatment for lateral dis-cord meniscus tear in children. Methods The study involved 229 child patients with lateral discord meniscal tear treated arthroscopically from March 1996 to March 2008. There were 133 males and 96 fe-males, at age of (9±3.5) years (range 4-14 years). The treatment methods included meniscus-plasty in 219 patients (including two children with postoperative recurrence), meniscus-plasty-suture in eight and partial meniscectomy in two. The function of the knees was assessed pre-operationally and post-operation-ally by using Lysholm score. Results Of all, 221 patients were followed up for a period of (65±48.9) months (range 5-144 months). The pain and swelling were alleviated, with obvious improvement in range of motion and knee function in all patients six months after operation. There were no complica-tions including intra-articular infection, iatrogenic injury, fibroarthritis or loss of range of motion. Ly-sholm score was (61.85±7.65) points (range 45-73) before operation, which was improved to (95.30±3.50) points (range 87-100 points) six months after operation (t= 26.778, P < 0.01). Conclusion Treatment of lateral discord meniscus tear under arthroscopic guidance in children has the advantages of minor trauma, satisfactory results, can maintain good shape of the meniscus and good func-tion of knee and reduce incidence rate of osteoarthritis.