Meniscus Cysts

US evaluation of the lateral meniscus shares the same intrinsic limitations already described for the medial meniscus (Fig. 14.34). In addition, the lateral meniscus is smaller than the medial one. When a meniscal cyst is suspected on clinical grounds, examining the knee in forceful flexion maybe useful as it causes bulging of the cyst outside the joint space and improves its detection. 

Meniscal cysts are parameniscal lesions filled with thick mucoid fluid that are usually secondary to degenerative meniscal tears. They affect more commonly the lateral meniscus and the right knee and are associated with horizontal or oblique cleavage meniscal tears. From the pathomechanical standpoint, the synovial fluid enters the meniscal body and produces a small intrameniscal cyst. Fluid... 

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