Arthroscopic Treatment of Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Meniscus and Nondiscoid Meniscus in Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND: Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is a rare condition. Patient-reported outcomes using validated instruments are underreported in the literature. DLM outcomes have not been directly compared with nondiscoid meniscus (non-DLM) in adolescent patients. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: This study sought to analyze the difference in patient characteristics, surgical treatment, and patient-reported outcomes for adolescent patients arthroscopically treated for symptomatic DLM and non-DLM pathology. We hypothesized that DLM and non-DLM patient-reported outcomes would be similar. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients aged <18 years with symptomatic DLM and non-DLM pathology was completed between 2015 and 2021 at a single academic institution. Chart reviews for patient characteristics and surgical operative indications and technique were completed. Patient-reported outcome scores were prospectively collected preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Patients in the DLM group (n = 48), when compared with the non-DLM group (n = 45), were younger (12.71 vs 15.78 years, respectively; P < .001) and had lower body mass index (24.53 vs 28.91, respectively; P < .02). Both groups were majority Hispanic and more commonly male (DLM 65% vs non-DLM 60%). All of the DLM patients had surgery on the lateral discoid meniscus (n = 48), whereas the non-DLM group had surgery on the lateral meniscus (n = 37), medial meniscus (n = 7), or both (n = 1). A majority of patients in both groups underwent meniscal repair (DLM 73% and non-DLM 62%), and there was no difference in surgical treatment between groups (P > .05). A statistically significant improvement was seen in International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ) scores from the preoperative assessment to 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery for both DLM and non-DLM groups (P < .05). No difference was found in scores between DLM and non-DLM groups, between sexes, or between age groups (<13 years or ≥13 years) (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Although patients with DLM were younger and had lower body mass index, the IKDC and PAQ scores were not significantly different between the DLM and non-DLM groups. Both groups showed a significant improvement in scores relative to their preoperative scores. Sex and age did not affect IKDC or PAQ scores.

Current Landscape of Uveitis Specialists in the United States.

Purpose This study characterizes the current landscape of uveitis specialists and their practice settings in the United States. Methods An anonymous Internet-based survey with questions pertaining to training history and practice characteristics was distributed via REDCap to the American Uveitis Society and Young Uveitis Specialists listservs. Results Forty-eight uveitis specialists in the United States responded to the survey out of 174 uveitis specialists that identify as practicing in the United States. Twenty-five of 48 respondents (52%) completed an additional fellowship. These additional fellowships ranged from surgical retina (12/25, 48%), cornea (8/25, 32%), and medical retina (4/25, 16%). Two-thirds of uveitis specialists managed their own immunosuppression, while one-third comanaged immunosuppression with rheumatologists. Thirty-three of 48 (69%) maintained a surgical practice. Conclusion This is the first survey of uveitis specialists across the United States to provide understanding into training and practice characteristics. These data will provide insight into career planning, practice building, and assist in resource allocation.