Meniscal Cyst

What You Need To Know About Meniscal Cyst?

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Individuals with meniscal tears or other knee injuries are more likely to develop meniscal cysts. A knee MRI confirms the diagnosis. Physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common treatments for this condition. It may be necessary to perform a partial meniscectomy when conservative management is not successful in relieving persistent symptoms. For a proper diagnosis and treatment of meniscal cyst symptoms, individuals should seek medical attention immediately.

What Is A Meniscal Cyst?

Among its many functions, the meniscus functions as a shock absorber, transmits stress, enhances lubrication, and facilitates the supply of nutrition to the knee. An injury to the meniscus can cause a small cyst to develop adjacent to the tear. Cysts are believed to develop as a result of the body’s healing process. Cysts, when present alone, are of little significance and are typically the result of a torn meniscus. Nevertheless, the cyst itself may be uncomfortable and may be visible over the site of the torn meniscus.

How Are Meniscal Cysts Classified?

  • Meniscal cysts can be classified into two types: 

Cysts Of The Perimeniscal Region: 

  • Meniscus-located

Cysts Of The Parameniscal

  • The meniscus extends beyond its margins
  • One example is Baker’s cyst 

Which Factors Lead To Meniscal Cysts

Studies have shown that meniscal cysts occur more frequently in men than in women, with approximately 65% of patients being male. Age does not affect the incidence of meniscal cysts regardless of gender. Nearly 40% of individuals aged 60 and older had at least one meniscal cyst on MRI imaging. Degenerative changes in the knee joint are likely to be the cause of this condition. Cysts may develop as a result of tears in the meniscus.

Meniscal Cyst Symptoms 

Cysts of the meniscus are not always accompanied by symptoms.

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  • Standing pain in the knees
  • Joint tenderness along its length
  • Cyst-related bumps or lumps, usually found near the outside of the knee
  • As the knee straightens, a bump may become more visible, although the bump itself may not be painful
  • Changing in size (although it may appear unchanged at first)
  • Knee swelling or locking

 What Causes Meniscal Cysts?

Meniscus cysts often occur in conjunction with meniscal tears due to certain underlying conditions or injuries. Cysts of the meniscus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Meniscal Tear:

Meniscus cysts are typically caused by tears in the meniscus. Due to synovial fluid leakage from a damaged meniscus as a result of traumatic injuries, repetitive stress, or age-related degeneration, a cyst can develop.

  • Joint Degeneration:

The meniscus may degenerate over time, particularly in older individuals. The weakening of a meniscus may result in the development of a cyst.

  • Traumatic Injury:

A sudden and forceful injury, such as one sustained during sports, an accident, or a fall, can cause a ruptured meniscus or the formation of a cyst.

  • Repetitive Stress:

Meniscal tears and cysts can occur as a result of repetitive knee movements and loading in certain occupations or activities, such as those performed by athletes or laborers.

  • Chronic Knee Conditions: 

Individuals with chronic knee conditions like osteoarthritis may be at higher risk for meniscal tears and cysts.

  • Congenital Factors: 

Genetic factors or inherent weaknesses in the structure of the meniscus may predispose some people to meniscal cysts.

  • Joint Diseases: 

Meniscus cysts can also be caused by inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What Are Meniscal Cyst Risk Factors?

  • The meniscus can be torn in sports that include twisting and turning
  • Injury to the knee in the past
  • Injury to the knee, particularly injuries to the ligaments
  • Degenerative meniscus tears are more likely to occur as one ages

What Is Meniscal cyst Diagnosis?

  • It is usually possible to confirm the diagnosis by palpating or examining a discrete mass directly over a tender joint line by a knee pain doctor. 
  • Knee pain location chart is also very helpful in determining the location and cause of knee pain. 
  • A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis, showing both the cyst and the tear. In light of this, it is important to note that meniscal cysts are distinct from Baker’s cysts. In most cases, these are collections of fluid located on the medial (inside) back of the knee.An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a useful tool for diagnosing cysts as well as measuring their size and location.
  • Aspiration, in which a needle is used to drain the cyst contents, can also be guided by ultrasound.

Also What is Meniscal Cyst Treatment?

  • When meniscal cysts occur incidentally or minimally symptomatic, occasional icing or anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary. 
  • It is possible to aspirate meniscal cysts with the help of a small needle and a local anesthetic. As a result, the fluid normally returns after a short period of time. 
  • Sometimes, physicians may recommend injecting cortisone into cysts to treat them.
  • A definitive treatment may be recommended in the form of surgery. Surgically, cysts and underlying meniscal tears can be removed.

  • Surgery

The treatment of meniscal cysts depends on the imaging findings: An arthroscopic procedure is available if there is a communicating meniscal tear. Small cameras are inserted through an incision made in the knee joint. It is necessary to create a small portal in order to insert instruments into the joint.Surgically removing torn meniscus requires an arthroscopy. Decompression of the associated cyst will be necessary in order to remove the meniscal cyst. An open procedure is necessary if there is a noncommunicating meniscal tear

Summary

When meniscus cartilage tears, a meniscus cyst develops.Injuries or degeneration of the meniscus may lead to this condition. Meniscus cysts do not always cause symptoms. In such circumstances, the knee may be in pain, there may be a bump on the knee, swelling, or the knee may lock in place. It is possible to drain cysts within the meniscus; however, they recur after draining. Surgery is the only way to permanently treat and prevent cysts from recurring.

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