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Arthroscopic parameniscal cyst decompression effective at mid-term follow-up
Researchers from Turkey evaluated a new arthroscopic technique to treat lateral parameniscal cysts in 20 patients and found it conserved meniscal tissue, allowed easier handling of instruments and provided a good view of the cyst, according to a study published in The Knee journal.
“Although we use this technique for all cases with [lateral parameniscal cyst] LPC, we think that this technique is especially useful for cases of meniscal cyst in the absence of an obvious intra-articular meniscal tear,” the researchers wrote in the study.
Prior to surgery, patients underwent a clinical examination and a knee MRI. The surgeons used arthroscopy to confirm the presence of a LPC and performed a partial lateral meniscectomy with anterolateral (AL) and anteromedial portals. They then treated the cysts via AL and superomedial (SM) portals, investigators reported.
“To decompress the cyst, an intra-articular (IA) portal was created with a shaver on the anterior synovial wall of the cyst from the AL portal,” the researchers wrote. “Decompression was performed via the AL portal and through the IA portal under the view of the scope in the SM portal.”
Modified clinical outcomes at the last follow-up (37.5 months mean) were excellent in 15 patients, good in 4 patients, and fair in 1 patient. The mean Lysholm score was 96.2 points. Control MRI done at the time showed no cysts had recurred.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.