Knee: discoid meniscus: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Knee: discoid meniscus

Sample item

A child has a snapping knee with a clunk on extension and no trauma. MRI shows a thick, disc-shaped meniscus. Which meniscus is typically affected?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Lateral meniscus

Discoid meniscus is a congenital variant in which the meniscus is thickened and does not take the normal semilunar shape, and it is much more common on the lateral side. It is prone to tears and may cause snapping, and treatment is saucerisation if symptomatic.

Option by option

  • A. Lateral meniscus (correct)

    Correct. The lateral meniscus is the usual site.

  • B. Neither, since the meniscus is not involved

    The meniscus is the abnormal structure.

  • C. Medial meniscus

    The medial meniscus is rarely discoid.

  • D. Both menisci equally

    Bilateral occurrence is possible but is predominantly lateral.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Lateral meniscus. Discoid meniscus is a congenital variant in which the meniscus is thickened and does not take the normal semilunar shape, and it is much more common on the lateral side.

Why is "Neither, since the meniscus is not involved" not the answer?

The meniscus is the abnormal structure.

Why is "Medial meniscus" not the answer?

The medial meniscus is rarely discoid.

Why is "Both menisci equally" not the answer?

Bilateral occurrence is possible but is predominantly lateral.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Knee: discoid meniscus in Orthopaedics. It is prone to tears and may cause snapping, and treatment is saucerisation if symptomatic.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Knee: discoid meniscus?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.