A meniscal cyst is a collection of joint fluid caused by a tear within the meniscus cartilage, the joint pad over the knee. It may have no symptoms, or it may cause pain, swelling, or mechanical issues with the knee. Meniscal cysts are most commonly reported in 20- to 30-year-old males and are usually associated with a specific type of meniscal tear called a horizontal cleavage tear, which may be caused by over-rotation of the knee or direct impact to the knee.
If incidental or minimally symptomatic, treatment may require occasional icing and/or anti-inflammatory medicine. The cyst may be aspirated using local anesthetic and a small needle to remove the cysts’ contents. However, this is usually only temporarily effective, and the fluid returns. Some physicians may advocate instilling a small amount of cortisone into the cyst.
Pain resulting from an associated meniscal cyst can be treated with occasional ice application and dosing of anti-inflammatory medications, while the cyst itself may be drained with a needle in a physician's office. However, unless the underlying cause of the tear is addressed (or the tear heals itself), the cyst will usually return.
Surgery may not always be necessary for a meniscal tear, though if your doctor recommends it, Surgery may be recommended as definitive treatment. This is accomplished by arthroscopy, in Surgery may be recommended as definitive treatment. This is accomplished by arthroscopy, in which a small camera is introduced into the knee joint, and another small portal (opening) is made to permit instruments to be brought into the joint. During arthroscopy, the torn meniscus is surgically debrided (removed). The associated meniscal cyst will then be decompressed.
If surgery is performed to address the meniscus and decompress the cyst, the patient may be able to return to activity as early at 3 weeks post-operatively.
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Frequently asked questions
Q.Do meniscal cysts cause pain?
Patients with a meniscal cyst will typically report symptoms of focal knee pain and swelling along the joint line. Due to its association with meniscal cysts, symptoms of a meniscus tear, such as popping, joint stiffness, and locking may also be present.
Q.What causes a meniscal cyst?
Various etiologies have been proposed, including trauma, hemorrhage, chronic infection, and mucoid degeneration. The most widely accepted theory describes meniscal cysts resulting from extrusion of synovial fluid through a peripherally extended horizontal meniscal tear, accumulating outside the joint capsule.
Q.How long does it take for a torn meniscus to heal without surgery?
Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery.
Q.What is the fastest way to get rid of a cyst?
Q.What is the recovery time for a meniscus tear?
Rehabilitation time for a meniscus repair is about 3 to 6 months. A meniscectomy requires less time for healing — approximately 3 to 6 weeks.
