[Arthroscopic treatment of lateral meniscal cyst by intraarticular dekompression.]

47 cases of lateral meniscal cyst treated by arthroscopy are presented. Average follow up was 44 months, with a range of 14 to 63 months. 43 out of 47 knees had lateral meniscus tear. Torn menisci were arthroscopically partially resected and the cyst was evacuated inside the joint. Although the tear did not extend up to the insertion of the meniscus, a curved central resection was performed. Thereafter the palpation hook was inserted into the cyst and was manipulated in order to evacuate its content. The same procedure was applied in all 43 cases. With one exception there was neither cyst recurrence nor evidence of meniscal instability. In the remaining 4 cases with no evident meniscal tear, only extraarticular cyst extirpation was done. Key words: lateral meniscus cysts, arthroscopy of the knee joint.