Arthroscopic treatment of popliteal cyst with intra-articular debridement and enlargement of the connecting hole between popliteal cyst and joint cavity

Objective To evaluate the results of arthroscopic treatment of popliteal cyst with intra-articular debridement and enlargement of the connecting hole between popliteal cyst and joint cavity.Methods 12 patients with popliteal cyst were treated by arthroscopy.During operation,the intra-articular pathology was corrected and the connecting hole between popliteal cyst and joint cavity were enlarged.The patients were followed up and evaluated according to Lyscholm rating scale and the guidelines of Rauschning and Lindgren.The magnetic resonance image of the knee joint was done on the patients before and after operation.Results All 12 patients were followed up from 12 to 23(16±4)months.The Lysholm knee score were(55.8±3.7) preoperatively and(82.1±4.2) 6 months postoperatively.There was statistical significance(P0.05).According to the guidelines of Rauschning and Lindgren,there were 1 case of grade Ⅰ,1 grade Ⅱ and 10 grade Ⅲ preoperatively.And there were 11 cases of grade Ⅰ and 1 cases of grade Ⅱ 6 months postoperatively.The sport ability was improved in all cases.Conclusions The arthroscopic treatment of secondary popliteal cyst with intra-articular debridement and enlargement of the connecting hole between popliteal cyst and joint cavity have the advantages of mini-invasive,fast-recovery,and low recurrence rates.