Analysis of the efficacy of triple-channel minimally invasive knee arthroscopy in the treatment of popliteal cysts in children

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to describe a technique for the treatment of pediatric popliteal cysts with a triple-channel knee arthroscopic approach, with the hypothesis that this technique has good clinical outcomes and a low recurrence rate. Methods Retrospective analysis of 14 patients with symptomatic pediatric popliteal cysts treated at our joint surgery center using this minimally invasive technique from December 2017 to December 2020. Arthroscopy was used to adequately enlarge the posterior medial flap opening between the cyst and the joint cavity, and to completely resect the cyst wall. The recurrence of popliteal cysts was examined by MRI at 3 and 12 months after surgery, respectively, and the Rauschning and Lindgren scores were recorded to evaluate the clinical outcome. Results A total of 14 children completed the follow-up, including 8 boys and 6 girls, with a mean age of 9.9 ± 1.1 years (5–12 years); 5 cases in the left knee and 9 cases in the right knee; the mean operative time was 19.2 ± 2.7 min (10–25 min); the mean follow-up time was 15.1 ± 2.4 months (12–24 months) There was no intraoperative vascular nerve injury and no incisional exudate infection There was no intraoperative vascular nerve injury and no incisional fluid infection. Postoperative symptoms of the posterior knee disappeared in the children, Rauschning and Lindgren scores improved significantly postoperatively, and no signs of recurrence were found on MRI in all cases. Conclusions This study concluded that the use of arthroscopic three-channel minimally invasive technique for the treatment of popliteal cysts in children is effective and safe, and is worthy of clinical promotion.