EPOS Discoid Meniscus (DiMe) Project
This project, called the EPOS Discoid Meniscus (DiMe) Project, is studying a knee problem called discoid meniscus in children and teenagers. Our main goals are to understand the different types of tears, see what treatments doctors are currently using, and check how well these treatments work. We're setting up a special database to collect detailed information from young patients with this condition, including their medical history, imaging scans, and how they recover over time. By gathering accurate information, we hope to find the most effective treatment options for growing patients with symptomatic discoid meniscus, helping doctors make better decisions for their care in the future. This is a big, ongoing study across many hospitals.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your knee has two C-shaped cushions called menisci that act like shock absorbers. Sometimes, one of these cushions, usually on the outside of the knee, is shaped like a disc instead of a 'C' – this is called a discoid meniscus. It's something you're born with, and sometimes it doesn't cause any issues. But for some children and teenagers, it can become painful or cause their knee to click or get stuck, especially during sports or activities. This study focuses on these young people who have symptoms from their discoid meniscus.
Doctors and researchers across different hospitals are working together on this project. They want to carefully record information about children and teenagers with symptomatic discoid meniscus. This includes details about their symptoms, how their meniscus looks on scans, the type of tear (if any), and what treatments they receive, such as surgery.
The main aim is to build a large picture of discoid meniscus in young European patients. By understanding how the condition varies, which treatments are used, and how well patients recover over many years, doctors hope to learn what the best treatment choices are for different types of discoid meniscus in growing bodies. This will help them give the best possible care to young people in the future.
Key takeaways
- Looks at knee problems (discoid meniscus) in children and teenagers (under 18).
- Aims to understand different types of tears and how well current treatments work.
- Collects detailed information over many years (up to 15 years).
- Helps doctors across Europe find the best care for young people.
- Participation involves sharing medical details and attending follow-up checks.
- You can stop participating at any time without affecting your knee care.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would need to be under 18 years old and have been diagnosed with a symptomatic discoid meniscus by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. This diagnosis would be based on a physical examination of your knee and an MRI scan confirming the condition.
Your parents or legal guardians would need to understand the study and agree for you to take part. Once you turn 18, you'd then be asked to give your own consent to continue in the study.
However, you wouldn't be able to join if you've already had knee surgery, have another knee injury needing surgery (like a ligament tear), or have fractures in your knee. People with inflammatory conditions or certain types of arthritis would also not be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you under 18 years old?
- Has a doctor said you have a painful discoid meniscus in your knee, confirmed by an MRI scan?
- Have you *not* had any previous knee surgery?
- Do you *not* have other serious knee injuries (like ligament tears or fractures)?
- Do you *not* have inflammatory conditions or certain types of arthritis?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your journey would involve several steps over a long period. First, your clinical team would collect your basic information, details about any sports you play, and how your knee is affecting you. They would also use scans to classify your discoid meniscus.
If surgery is recommended and performed, details about the operation, including pictures and videos taken during surgery, would be recorded. Doctors would also note any issues that might come up after the surgery.
After treatment, you would have follow-up checks. Initially, these would be at 1 month, then 3 months, and 6 months. After that, someone from the study team would follow up with you once a year for up to 15 years. This long follow-up helps doctors understand the long-term effects of treatments. Your willingness to attend these annual follow-up checks is important for the study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (12)
- Universitair ZiekenhuisVerified postcodeLeuven, Belgium· Not yet recruiting
- Oulu University Hospital,Verified postcodeOulu, Finland· Not yet recruiting
- CHU GrenobleVerified postcodeGrenoble, France· Not yet recruiting
- Clinique Rive GaucheVerified postcodeToulouse, France· Not yet recruiting
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU de ToulouseVerified postcodeToulouse, France· Not yet recruiting
- Policlinico San PietroVerified postcodeBergamo, Italy· Not yet recruiting
- ASST Monza - Ospedale San GerardoVerified postcodeMonza, Italy· Recruiting
- Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Hospital Pediátrico de -CoimbraVerified postcodeCoimbra, Portugal· Not yet recruiting
- Hospital Cuf DescobertasVerified postcodeLisbon, Portugal· Not yet recruiting
- Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV)Verified postcodeLausanne, Switzerland· Not yet recruiting
- London Children's HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- SHEFFIELD CHILDREN'S NHS NHS Foundation Trust,Verified postcodeSheffield, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is a discoid meniscus?
It's when the cushion in your knee (meniscus) is shaped like a disc instead of a 'C', which you're born with. Sometimes it causes pain or clicking.
Who is running this study?
This is a big study involving many hospitals across different countries in Europe, working together to learn more about discoid menisci in young people.
Will I get special treatment if I join?
No, you'll receive the best standard care for your condition. The study is mainly about collecting information on current treatments and how well they work.
How long will I be in the study?
The study aims to follow patients for up to 15 years to see the long-term effects of treatments.
What happens to my information?
Your medical information will be collected and stored securely. It will be used to help researchers understand the condition better and find the best treatments for other young people.
How to find out more
Marco Turati, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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