Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41088136›Full record

SynthesisBMC musculoskeletal disorders2025

Radiographic evaluation of key anatomical markers in discoid lateral meniscus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Xixin Jin, Xujin Wu, Yongtao Mao, Zelong Yang, Haoyu Wang

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Xixin JinDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu, No. 38 Shengli Middle Road, Bengbu City, Anhui Province, 233099, PR China.
Xujin WuDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No.1055, Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215004, PR China.
Yongtao MaoDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No.1055, Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, 215004, PR China.
Zelong YangDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu, No. 38 Shengli Middle Road, Bengbu City, Anhui Province, 233099, PR China.
Haoyu WangDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu, No. 38 Shengli Middle Road, Bengbu City, Anhui Province, 233099, PR China. orthopaedics_why@163.com.

Funding

Science and Technology Project of Bengbu Medical University 2024byzd481
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeThe lateral discoid meniscus (DLM), a common anatomical variant in Asian populations, is often linked to knee pain, restricted motion, and an increased risk of meniscal tears. Due to limitations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in certain patients, this study aims to assess the efficacy of X-ray parameters in diagnosing DLM, focusing on key features: lateral tibial spine height (LTSH), lateral joint space distance (LJSD), fibular head height (FHH), lateral tibial plateau obliquity (LTPO), and the condylar cut-off sign.

methodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using studies from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (January 2004 - October 2024). Studies with observational designs, X-ray measurements, and data on DLM were included. Mean difference (MD) and 95% CI analyses were performed using Review Manager and Stata.

resultsNine studies involving 788 discoid menisci and 761 normal knees were included. LJSD and FHH were significantly larger in the DLM group (MD = 1.18 and - 3.03, P < 0.01), while LTPO was smaller (MD = -2.18, P < 0.01). LTSH did not show significant differences in children but was smaller in adults with DLM (MD = -0.65, P < 0.01). The condylar cut-off sign also showed significant correlation in both adults and children (MD = -0.10, P < 0.01).

conclusionThis meta-analysis identifies LJSD, FHH, LTPO, and the condylar cut-off sign as key radiographic markers for diagnosing DLM, with accuracy enhanced when combined, particularly in the absence of MRI. LTSH appears diagnostically relevant mainly in adults, with limited value in pediatric populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Indexed as

Knee JointMenisci, TibialHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingRadiographyAnatomical markersDiscoid lateral meniscusKnee joint abnormalitiesOsteoarthritisRadiographic evaluation

Identifiers

PMID41088136
PMCPMC12523112

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.