Selected cases of arthroscopic treatment of popliteal cyst with associated intra-articular knee disorders primary report.

INTRODUCTION The goal of the reported study was an evaluation of results, obtained in the treatment of knee joints with intraarticular pathologies, concomitant with cysts in the popliteal fossa. We hypothesized that removal of popliteal cyst and associated pathology will provide improvement in function, pain of operated knee and patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS There were 10 patients involved in the study (6 male and 4 female) at the age ranging from 6 to 53 years, with a symptomatic popliteal cyst. The follow-up period varied from 6 to 20 months. RESULTS In all patients intraarticular pathologies were concomitant with popliteal cyst and included: ACL lesion, medial meniscal tear, synovitis, chondral lesion, chondromatosis and synovial plica syndrome. In 50% of the patients, a valvular mechanism was visualised and eliminated during operation. On the average, the Lysholm score was 45.9 before operation and 86.1 at last follow-up. Based on the Visual Analogue Scale patients evaluated their knee joints, on the average 8.2 at before and 3.3 after the operation. According our own scales all but one patient had functional improvement of operated knee, felt better about the knee than before operation and would recommend the treatment to friends and family. Also according to Rauschning and Lindgren classification all but one patient had improvement. No long-term complications were found in any of the operated patients. CONCLUSIONS Elimination of intraarticular pathologies coexisting with popliteal cyst provides significant improvement of knee function, pain and patient satisfaction.