The need for surgery for meniscal cysts depends on the condition. For patients with asymptomatic meniscal cysts, conservative treatment such as local brace immobilisation to reduce pressure on the affected limb, local joint cavity closure therapy to reduce joint inflammation and joint fluid secretion, and strengthening quadriceps exercises to enhance the stability of the knee joint can be adopted.
However, conservative treatment patients need to be reviewed regularly to closely monitor the progression of meniscal cysts and changes in knee symptoms. If a patient presents with knee pain, palpable swelling and a clear diagnosis of meniscal cyst, surgery is the best option to remove the cyst, relieve clinical symptoms, restore knee movement and help prevent serious complications, the exact surgical treatment will need to be assessed by a surgeon.