Do you know what a meniscal cyst is? It is a pool of joint fluid caused due to a tear in the meniscus cartilage or your knee joint pad. You may experience no symptoms, or sometimes pain, inflammation, swelling, or mechanical problems with the knee can indicate the presence of a cyst. If you feel that you have this problem, you must visit a specialist for treatment. This article will highlight the procedure to drain meniscal cyst.
These cysts are usually common in 20 to 30 years old male members and are typically associated with a particular type of meniscal tear known as horizontal cleavage tear. Over-rotation of the knee joint or direct impact to the knee generally may cause this.
So, when you see a doctor, they are likely to order your imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI to determine the main issue. However, the most recommended treatments may include draining the cysts, though it is likely to return until you treat the basic meniscus rip.
What are the Symptoms of Meniscal Cyst?
If you have a cyst, you might not always experience any symptoms. However, when the symptoms appear, the most common ones may include:
- Experiencing knee pain while standing
- Sensitivity directly on the joint line of your knee
- A protrusion or lump on the cyst site; you may usually spot the cyst close to the lateral meniscus (outside of the knee)
- Cyst becomes more evident when you extend the knee, although the protrusion might be painless.
- An increase in the size of the cyst, though it may remain unnoticed
- Knee joint swelling or knee locking
What are the Causes of Meniscal Cyst?
Degeneration of the meniscus, mainly due to age factors, osteoarthritis, or a direct hit, may cause a cyst. Some of the common knee problems include over-rotation of the knee or uneven force on the knee, mainly when you run or walk on bumpy surfaces. Hence, you are more susceptible to a meniscal cartilage tear. As a result, the synovial fluid is likely to seep out of your joint.
The reality is that a meniscal cyst is not a real cyst. Instead, it is a bulge of the dislocated joint fluid. It is your body’s natural recovering process in response to an injury or accident. Your body is continually generating synovial fluid (joint fluid) and absorbing extra fluid. However, when the fluid outflows the joint, it may gather and develop into a pouch regarded as a meniscal cyst.
So, the cartilage tear acts as a one-way valve, where the joint fluid can seep the joint into the cyst. However, it does not escape from the other side. Due to this, the cyst continues to gather the excess fluid and increase in size.
What are the Risk Factors of Meniscal Cyst?
Some of the main risk factors include:
- Prior knee injury or meniscal damage
- Participation in contact sports or any sports with a recurrent twisting of the knee joint, like football, soccer, rugby, or tennis.
- Aging or osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of menisci
- Associated ligament damages like torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
What is the Diagnosis?
When you visit a consultant for a recommendation, they may ask you particular questions linked to knee pain, pop sound, and any latest injuries or hit t the knee. It will help them determine the knee condition and whether the tear has occurred or not. So, if you have a palpated meniscal cyst, your doctor will then assess your knee’s range of motion (ROM) to ascertain any ripped cartilage pieces trapped in your joint.
Some of the standard diagnostic tests for meniscal tear and other knee damages include the McMurray test, the Apley test, the Steinmann I test, the Payr’s test, Childress’ sign, and the Ege’s test. However, further diagnosis is validated through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as it helps examine the cyst and corresponding tear.
Comparison: Meniscal Cysts vs. Baker’s Cysts
A meniscal cyst is usually similar to a popliteal or Baker’s cyst. However, the latter lies in the backside of your knee joint. Moreover, a popliteal cyst appears with several other knee joint issues that lead to fluid accumulation or knee inflammation. Therefore, it can occur when you have a meniscus rip, arthritis, ligament damage, or other problems that may cause knee swelling.
What is the Treatment of Meniscal Cyst?
If you have pain due to a meniscal lump, it can be treated through occasional ice therapy and consuming anti-inflammatory medicines. However, your doctor may even drain out the cyst with a needle in their office or clinic. Yet, it is of no use unless you treat the underlying tear or it recovers itself, as the cyst is likely to redevelop.
Surgery
Surgery might not always be essential to treat a tear. However, if your doctor recommends, they are likely to use a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical approach. Once your doctor treats the rip, the meniscal cyst will decompress and be less likely to return. So, removing the real cyst is unnecessary; however, just addressing the leading cause of the cysts is a better treatment for this issue.
When Can You Resume Your Sports and Other Activities?
The reality is that meniscus lumps never “heal.” However, they might become asymptomatic with time, usually if you modify your activities. And if the cyst is symptomatic, you might not be able to perform various activities. And if your doctor performs surgery to address the meniscus problem and decompress the cyst, you might resume your activities after three weeks of the procedure with knee support.
How Can You Prevent?
There is no proven way through which you can prevent this problem. However, if you maintain a healthy and fit life, you can prevent vulnerable knees. Sportspeople should wear proper protective equipment and ascertain appropriate fit, including right length cleats for the surface.
Conclusion
You should never confuse a cyst with tumor growth. It is just a collection of joint fluid in dislocated joints. So, if you don’t feel any symptoms, you may continue your activities. Otherwise, you might consult your doctor for recommendations and treatment.
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