Abstract
Background
Management of popliteal cyst is controversial. Owing to high failure rates in open procedures, recent trend is towards arthroscopic decompression and simultaneous management of intraarticular pathology. We retrospectively analysed clinical results of symptomatic popliteal cysts after arthroscopic management at 24 month followup.
Materials and Methods
Retrospective analysis of hospital database for patients presenting with pathology suggestive of a popliteal cyst from June 2007 to December 2012 was done. Twelve cases of popliteal cyst not responding to NSAIDS and with Rauschning and Lindgren Grade 2 or 3 who consented for surgical intervention were included in the study. All patients underwent arthroscopic decompression using a posteromedial portal along with management of intraarticular pathologies as encountered. Furthermore, the unidirectional valvular effect was corrected to a bidirectional one by widening the cyst joint interface. The results were assessed as per the Rauschning and Lindgren criteria.
Results
All patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months (range 24-36 months). It revealed that among the study group, six patients achieved Grade 0 status while five had a minimal limitation of range of motion accompanied by occasional pain (Grade 1). One patient had a failure of treatment with no change in the clinical grading.
Conclusion
Arthroscopic approach gives easy access to decompression with the simultaneous management of articular pathologies.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Baker WM. On the formation of the synovial cysts in the leg in connection with disease of the knee joint. St Bartholomews Hosp Rep 1877;13:245–61.
Jayson MI, Dixon AS. Valvular mechanisms in juxta-articular cysts. Ann Rheum Dis 1970;29:415–20.
Rauschning W. Anatomy and function of the communication between knee joint and popliteal bursae. Ann Rheum Dis 1980;39:354–8.
Lindgren PG, Willén R. Gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa and its relation to the knee joint. I. Anatomy and histology. Acta Radiol Diagn (Stockh) 1977;18:497–512.
Vahvanen V. Popliteal cyst. A followup study on 42 operatively treated patients. Acta Orthop Scand 1973;44:303–10.
Rauschning W, Lindgren PG. Popliteal cysts (Baker’s cysts) in adults. I. Clinical and roentgenological results of operative excision. Acta Orthop Scand 1979;50:583–91.
Sansone V, De Ponti A. Arthroscopic treatment of popliteal cyst and associated intraarticular knee disorders in adults. Arthroscopy 1999;15:368–72.
Takahashi M, Nagano A. Arthroscopic treatment of popliteal cyst and visualization of its cavity through the posterior portal of the knee. Arthroscopy 2005;21:638.
Lie CW, Ng TP. Arthroscopic treatment of popliteal cyst. Hong Kong Med J 2011;17:180–3.
Rupp S, Seil R, Jochum P, Kohn D. Popliteal cysts in adults. Prevalence, associated intraarticular lesions, and results after arthroscopic treatment. Am J Sports Med 2002;30:112–5.
Ahn JH, Yoo JC, Lee SH, Lee YS. Arthroscopic cystectomy for popliteal cysts through the posteromedial cystic portal. Arthroscopy 2007;23:559.e1-4.
Cho JH. Clinical results of direct arthroscopic excision of popliteal cyst using a posteromedial portal. Knee Surg Relat Res 2012;24:235–40.
Gillquist J, Hagberg G, Oretorp N. Arthroscopic visualization of the posteromedial compartment of the knee joint. Orthop Clin North Am 1979;10:545–7.
Outerbridge RE. The etiology of chondromalacia patellae. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1961;43-B:752–7.
Centeno CJ, Schultz J, Freeman M. Sclerotherapy of Baker’s cyst with imaging confirmation of resolution. Pain Physician 2008;11:257–61.
Rupp S, Seil R, Jochum P. Longterm results after excision of a popliteal cyst. Unfallchirurg 2001;104:847–51.
Hughston JC, Baker CL, Mello W. Popliteal cyst: A surgical approach. Orthopedics 1991;14:147–50.
Rauschning W. Popliteal cysts (Baker’s cysts) in adults. II. Capsuloplasty with and without a pedicle graft. Acta Orthop Scand 1980;51:547–55.
Lindgren PG. Gastrocnemio-semimembranosus bursa and its relation to the knee joint. III. Pressure measurements in joint and bursa. Acta Radiol Diagn (Stockh) 1978;19:377–88.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pankaj, A., Chahar, D. & Pathrot, D. Arthroscopic management of popliteal cysts. IJOO 50, 154–158 (2016). https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5413.177568
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5413.177568