In many cases discoid menisci can be monitored and observed.  If they are causing problems, such as pain, locking or giving way, then they may require surgical management.

If the meniscus is torn, it may either require surgical repair or excision. This depends upon the quality of the meniscal tissue, as only good quality discoid meniscal tears should be repaired.  If the meniscal tissue is degenerative, as is commonly the case in discoid menisci, surgical excision often performed.  This involves trimming the meniscus back to a stable edge, which prevents further tearing.

In cases where the discoid meniscus is unstable, meniscal stabilisation may be required.  This involves suturing the meniscus back to the joint, which prevents it from slipping in and out of the knee joint, causing symptoms of locking and clicking.

If a discoid meniscus is complete, sometimes it will need to undergo a reshaping procedure called ‘saucerisation’ which recreates the natural meniscal shape.