A meniscal cyst is a collection of joint fluid caused by a rupture in the cartilage of the meniscus, cartilage that protects the knee joint from shocks. The meniscal cyst can manifest itself without any symptoms or it can cause pain, swelling or mechanical problems of the knee.

Meniscus cysts are most common in men between the ages of 20 and 30 and are usually associated with a certain type of meniscus rupture, called horizontal rupture, which can be caused by exaggerated rotation of the knee or direct impact on it. Cysts are most often localized at the outer edge of the meniscus.

For the diagnosis of a meniscal cyst, it may be necessary to perform an MRI examination or ultrasound.

Treatment involves drainage of the cyst, although there is a risk of relapse, unless the meniscus rupture that caused the cyst, is treated.

A meniscal cyst is a collection of joint fluid caused by a rupture in the cartilage of the meniscus, cartilage that protects the knee joint from shocks. The meniscal cyst can manifest itself without any symptoms or it can cause pain, swelling or mechanical problems of the knee.

Meniscus cysts are most common in men between the ages of 20 and 30 and are usually associated with a certain type of meniscus rupture, called horizontal rupture, which can be caused by exaggerated rotation of the knee or direct impact on it. Cysts are most often localized at the outer edge of the meniscus.

For the diagnosis of a meniscal cyst, it may be necessary to perform an MRI examination or ultrasound. Treatment involves drainage of the cyst, although there is a risk of relapse, unless the meniscus rupture that caused the cyst, is treated.

They may not always appear, but when they occur, the most common are:

✓ Pain in the knee, especially when it supports body weight
✓ Direct sensitivity over the joint line of the knee
✓ Swelling or blockage of the knee joint
Among other causes that favor the appearance of meniscal cysts, we mention the degeneration of the meniscus itself (age-related or osteoarthritis), direct injuries, such as the impact with the front or side of the knee, a disproportionate force on the knees or its rolling on uneven surfaces. Any of these cases can lead to a rupture of the meniscus cartilage, then allowing synovial fluid to leak out of the joint.

A meniscal cyst is not a real cyst, but rather an outflow of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that makes the body's natural healing response to injury. The body constantly produces new synovial fluid and absorbs excess fluid. However, when fluid flows out of the joint, it can collect and form a sac that is a meniscal cyst. Rupture of the articular cartilage can cause the excess collection of fluid in the cyst.

1. Locally applied ice and anti-inflammatory medications help reduce pain. Always put a towel between the ice and the area on which it is applied.
2. Drainage of the cyst with the help of a puncture. However, there are high chances of cyst relapse if the condition that was the basis of its formation is not treated, namely the rupture of the articular cartilage of the meniscus.
3. Surgical intervention (arthroscopy) when necessary, involves excision of the cystic structure but also partial meniscectomy. Once the cartilage rupture has been restored, there is little chance of relapse of the meniscal cyst.

✓ Pay attention to knee or meniscus injuries that may predispose to the appearance or relapse of the meniscal cyst
✓ Attention to contact sports or to any sports in which there is a frequent twisting of the knee joint, such as football, football, rugby or tennis
✓ Aging or osteoarthritis may also predispose to the appearance or relapse of the cyst, which is why it is advisable, during life, to exercise regularly and the diet to be rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.
✓ Pay attention to injuries to the knee ligaments, which can also predispose to the formation/relapse of a meniscal cyst.