Meniscal cyst

A meniscal cyst is a defect which generally originates from a tear within a meniscus, and which is enclosed by fibrous tissue sac and filled with fluid under pressure.

The fluid-filled sac may herniate into the capsular tissues on the joint line, producing a painful lump on the joint line, which can sometimes be reduced by pressing on it.

A meniscal cyst may be medial or lateral. The type of tear with which it is usually associated is the 'horizontal cleavage' tear.

 

Diagnosis of meniscal cysts

Although the diagnosis may be clinically fairly obvious, an MRI scan is likely to clinch the diagnosis as the fluid within the meniscal sac will show up white on MRI scan.

 

Management of meniscal cysts

Usually arthroscopic surgery is performed to exclude the presence of a horizontal cleavage tear of the meniscus. If this is found, the tear is cleaned out and the cyst decompressed from within the meniscus. A partial meniscectomy may be performed.

If there is no horizontal cleavage tear, the cyst may be approached from the outside of the knee and decompressed, and any meniscal rim problem dealt with during surgery.