Removal of Popliteal Cyst Under Endoscopy

Abstract

The pathogenesis of popliteal cyst (Baker’s cyst) is related to meniscus injury, knee osteoarthritis, and synovitis. The cyst is common connected with the joint cavity, and it can be touched at the popliteal fossa. When the synovial fluid exudates more in the knee joint, it can flow into the popliteal cyst through the passage. The cyst can shrink when patient lies on prone position. Large cysts may affect the movement of the knee joint, and sometimes it even compress the blood vessels or nerves behind the knee, causing local swelling pain, numbness of the foot, or other neurological symptoms. The traditional treatment of popliteal cyst is open surgery. Because of the abundant blood vessels and nerves in popliteal area, and the location of the cyst is deep and difficult to expose, the incision is always long, and the trauma is large. The scar after surgery not only affects the beauty but also affects the function of knee joint. The recurrence rate of popliteal cyst after resection is high (Fig. 8.1). The author removed the popliteal cyst under endoscopy with local anesthesia and received good results.