Prognosis
If the cause is successfully treated, the joint effusion in the knee often disappears on its own after some time. However, a chronic effusion can occur if the joint mucosa constantly produces too much synovial fluid due to a permanent irritation. In some cases, a so-called Baker’s cyst can form as a result of chronic joint effusion in the knee.This is a bulging of a bursa into which the excessively produced synovial fluid drains.
This is then manifested as a palpable bump in the hollow of the knee, which causes a feeling of pressure when the joint is bent. If the Baker’s cyst causes severe symptoms, it may have to be removed surgically.
- Arthrosis
- Arthritis
- Or an untreated infection.
The duration of a knee joint effusion depends on whether the effusion is the result of an acute or chronic disorder.
The duration also depends on the severity of the injury or disease causing it. If it is a minor knee injury with slight knee swelling, as is often the case in sports, cooling, raising and immobilising the leg can reduce the swelling or effusion within a few days. If the injury is severe and requires surgery, it can take several weeks or even months for the injury to heal.
If the articular effusion was caused by a chronic inflammation in the knee, it must be treated to reduce the fluid. This can also take days to weeks. With a puncture of the knee joint, the fluid is removed immediately. However, if the cause of the effusion is a chronic disease, a new effusion must be expected if the cause is not treated.
