[Meniscal cysts. Therapeutic and pathogenic considerations].

The author presents a series of personal cases of meniscal cysts, compares them with other series in the literature, and draws certain conclusions. The meniscal cyst appears to be one of the manifestations of the myxoid degeneration of the meniscus-degeneration induced by small daily traumatisms. The rarity of the condition is related to the fact that movement of the myxoid substance is asymptomatic when it is towards the joint cavity. The greater frequency of the condition on the external meniscus is explained by a study of the forces applied on the knee. In contrast to the prevailing idea that surgical treatment is required, the author believes that puncture of the cyst is the most logical and simple treatment. This puncture avoids, in the long term, the risks of meniscectomy, which in 30 to 50 percent of cases, according to different authors, leads to poor results.