meniscal cyst

Last reviewed 01/2018

A meniscal cyst is a similar lesion to a ganglion. It arises from the outer part of the meniscus and forms a tense swelling at the joint line.

Meniscal cysts arise from small meniscal tears which act as one-way valves allowing pumping of synovial fluid out of the joint into the cyst.

Medial meniscal cysts must be distinguished from ganglia arising from the insertion of sartorius, gracilis and semi-tendinosus.