A local gathering of synovial liquid within or near the meniscus, usually as a result of a meniscal tear, identifies a meniscal cyst. Most doctors diagnose meniscus cysts based on an MRI analysis of the knee.
There are both surgical and non operative approaches to treatment. They involve physical therapy, NSAIDs, and surgical procedures such as a partial meniscectomy. However, it is possible to recover from a meniscus cyst following appropriate treatment and guidelines by pain physicians in Dallas.
How Does A Meniscal Cyst Develop?
Meniscal cysts are usually present with meniscal tears that happen due to degenerative modifications within the meniscus. However, there may be a knee-related injury (a twisting or pivoting injury). Related cysts are rare, keeping in mind the occurrence of meniscus tears.
If a meniscus tear persists for a long time, the liquid in our knee joint may leak out of the tear. The liquid will form a cyst. That liquid-filled part is now known as a “parameniscal cyst.” Often, these cysts might grow quite large. Cysts developing on the inner area of the knee try to be larger than cysts on the lateral or outer portion of the knee.
Medial meniscus cysts are larger than lateral meniscus cysts. This is because the very stiff ITB tendon restricts the growth of the cysts present on our knee’s outer area.
Lateral meniscal cysts also prove to cause more pain than medial meniscus cysts because of the pressure they exert on the ITB tendon fibers.
Symptoms of a Meniscal Cyst
Meniscal cysts might not always show symptoms. But when they do, the most typical are:
- Ache in the knee while standing
- Hardness directly near the joint
- A lump or bump appears at the cyst area, usually close to the outer area of the knee.
- A lump may become more visible as the knee aligns, but it may not cause any pain.
- A lump can change its size, but it can also remain seemingly unchanged.
- Inflammation or locking related to the knee joint
Meniscal cysts usually develop in 20- to 30-year-old males. They are generally associated with a form of meniscal tear known as a horizontal cleavage tear.
Overturning the knee could potentially cause this type of tear. It could also be due to a direct impact on the anterior or lateral sides of the knee. Disproportionate pressure on the knees, like when you move on uneven ground, can also lead to this type of damage.
Diagnosis of Meniscal Cysts
A healthcare professional will inquire about:
- Knee ache
- Popping voices
- Have there been any recent injuries or impacts to the knee?
This might help identify if you possess a meniscal tear. Typically, a doctor can palpate a meniscal cyst to detect it.
A range of mobility tests can ensure there are no cut pieces of cartilage present in the joint.
There are some tests doctors perform to assess meniscal cuts and other knee damage. These are as follows:
- The McMurray test
- The Steinmann test
- Childress’ sign
- The Ege’s test
- The Apley test
- The payer’s test
These are mobility, weight-controlling, and pressure tests that might help doctors diagnose a tear. They can additionally help a doctor identify if the tear requires surgery. An ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may confirm the diagnosis.
An MRI is a test that uses a magnetic field and radio wave frequency to create images of your knee. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images.
These scans will help your healthcare provider see both the tear and the cyst.
Treatment of Meniscal Cysts
You might use ice to treat pain from a meniscal cyst. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also facilitate. A doctor’s office may use a pin to drain the cyst. Unfortunately, the cyst might usually come back unless the meniscal tear is managed properly or heals itself.
Surgery
Meniscal tears might not always require surgery. When they do, the most commonly performed procedure is known as a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery approach. A surgeon, for example, uses instruments inserted through small cuts to work on the joint.
Once the tear heals, the cyst typically disappears. While it is probable that the cyst will resurface, it is unlikely.
Summary
Meniscus cysts develop when tears hit the meniscal cartilage present in the knee. This may occur after an injury or because of meniscus degeneration.
Meniscal cysts might not always manifest symptoms. However, when they appear, they may cause pain, a lump on the knee, and joint inflammation or locking.Even after removal, meniscal cysts can recur. Surgical approaches by pain management in Dallas to the tear itself are the most suitable way to permanently manage a cyst and prevent it from returning.
