What is knee cyst decompression?
Knee cyst decompression, also known as cyst aspiration or cyst drainage, is a medical procedure used to relieve pain and discomfort caused by a cyst that has developed within or around the knee joint. The most common type of knee cyst is a Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, which forms as a result of excess synovial fluid accumulation in the back of the knee.
Who needs knee cyst decompression?
Knee cyst decompression is considered when a cyst, particularly a Baker's cyst, causes symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited knee range of motion. The procedure aims to reduce these symptoms by draining the fluid buildup within the cyst.
Knee cyst decompression might not be recommended in cases where:
- The cyst is not causing significant symptoms.
- There is a high likelihood of cyst recurrence due to an underlying joint issue.
- The cyst is infected.
What should I expect during a knee cyst decompression?
In a knee cyst decompression, a needle is inserted directly into the cyst under the guidance of ultrasound or another imaging technique. The needle is used to drain the accumulated synovial fluid from the cyst. The fluid is typically sent for analysis to rule out any underlying joint issues.
In some cases, after the fluid is drained, a corticosteroid or other medication might be injected into the cyst to reduce inflammation and the likelihood of the cyst re-filling.
Recovery from knee cyst decompression is usually relatively quick. Patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling at the needle insertion site for a short period. Physical activity might be limited for a short time following the procedure, but most patients can resume regular activities within a day or two.
What are benefits of a decompression?
Knee cyst decompression can provide prompt relief from pain and discomfort caused by a swollen cyst. However, cyst decompression does not address the underlying cause of the cyst, which might involve an issue within the joint, such as arthritis or a tear. Recurrence of the cyst is possible if the underlying condition is not addressed.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon or book an appointment online.