Arthroscopic Shaving Cystectomy of Popliteal Cyst

Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic direct shaving cystectomy of popliteal cyst. Materials and Methods : We treated 14 cases of popliteal cyst by arthroscopic shaving cystectomy from March 1998 to October 1999. The mean duration of follow up was 18 months. We estimated operative time, and checked sonography 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Pain, ROM and recurrence were checked 1 year after surgery. Results : The average operation time was 45 minutes (31-58), and the duration to regain full pain free motion of knee was the next day or two days after surgery. There was no recurrence, no discomfort or pain and all were free of ROM. Rauschning and Lindgren Criteria were all Grade 0 and Grade 1. Conclusion : Arthroscopic shaving cystectomy using a motorized shaver is an effective alternative to the open technique for popliteal cystectomy.