There are several hypotheses explaining the development of discoid lateral meniscus. However, it is still unclear and there is no report to find disc-shaped meniscus in prenatal period. The author was to find out which stage of the fetal development the lateral meniscus has a shape of a disc.

A study about the human knee menisci was carried out using a total of 31 human embryos and 69 human fetuses. Serial sections and careful dissection were performed.

The menisci were indicated after stage 21 of development by close-packed cells. Collagenous fibers in the menisci were more prominent and organized by time and blood vessels were prominently located in the peripheral and intermediate one-thirds, but still identified throughout all parts of the menisci. The authors could not find a disc-shaped meniscus during prenatal development.

The menisci assumed their characteristic shapes early in prenatal development, but the prenatal menisci were very cellular and intrameniscal blood vessels were numerous. Although discoid meniscus is attributed to congenital anomalies by most authors, it also seems to be developed under specific conditions and influenced by mechanical factors after birth.