Hoffa's ganglion

Posted , 3 users are following.

Anyone ever had/heard of this? Google brings very little and I'm struggling to manage my symptoms. Surgery is months away (if at all) anti-inflammatory drugs don't work and nor do painkillers. This is a ganglion cyst that sits under my kneecap and gets trapped during the standard mechanical use of my knee, causing it to swell,click,lock and jar. It has also caused my knee to become very unstable. Any suggestions to help my symptoms appreciated.

TIA

Eoin

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    I don't want to cause alarm you but be very careful how you proceed with this.....there is very little you can do as it probably need surgical intervention......or very strong pain relief!

    I had one in 1982 - had two local anaesthetic procedure as it grew back after the 1st op. The 2nd they took the whole cartilage with it...it never came back but knee problems remained with me for many years - not even being able to do stairs properly and throwing my whole body out of kilter trying to compensate for it - ( causing back problems too) - until Christmas 2017 when I needed a complete knee replacement after years of wear and tear and bone on bone pain....through lack of cartilage.

    So my advice would be - take great care who you chose to rid you of this and make sure they have plenty of MRI pictures to see what is required and if at all possible conserve your cartilage.....

    Having said that technology has changed a lot since 1982 so they could have better and simpler operations to help with it and I wish you good luck....x

    • Posted

      Thank you for your reply, you are the first person I've met with any actual experience of this condition (that includes doctors). I definitely require surgery but due to changes in NHS surgery requirements I've already been rejected once. My symptoms started over a year ago and I'm at a point where i can no longer straighten my knee and stairs and slopes are a nightmare.

      I know this will get sorted, but I'm so restricted to what I can right now and this condition is so rare, there is no information out there that helps. I will also remember your comments on recurring cysts and cartilage damage, they're definitely important.

      Thank you

      Eoin

    • Posted

      Yes - I've never met another! I did have private insurance at the time......but if it is impeding your walking etc they should speed it up.....but having said that most waiting lists are very long these days. you don't say which part of the UK you live but I think waiting lists are less long outside of central London......good luck anyway... I'm sure you will get it sorted. I have been told sometimes they disappear on their own but rarely once established and entangled......my very best wishes and for 2019 - xx

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