Clinical Outcomes after Mini-Open Excision of Popliteal Cysts

The purpose of the study was to investigate clinical outcomes following a mini-open posterior technique.

Patients who received mini-open popliteal cyst excisions between April 1999 and April 2010 were identified. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for postoperative complications, cyst recurrence, previous aspiration, re-operation, intraoperative findings, cyst size, comorbidities, and co-surgeries. Visual Analogue Pain Scale and Rauschning's symptomatic knee criteria were collected prospectively to assess functional outcomes.

Twenty-two legs in 21 patients were included in the study [males: 12 (57%); females: 9 (43%); age: 48.23 ± 11.74 years; BMI: 26.7 ± 4.54 kg/m2; follow-up: 4.55 ± 3.01 years]. Average cyst size was 4.16 ± 1.64 cm and were all located in the posteromedial aspect of the leg. All 22 cases had associated intra-articular pathology based on MRI, physical examination, and arthroscopy. Complications after cyst excision included: paresthesia in the distribution of the saphenous nerve (3/22, 14%), keloid formation (1/22, 4%), joint effusion requiring aspiration (1/22, 4%), and one recurrence requiring cystectomy 10 years later (4%). All incidences of paresthesia resolved. Mean visual analog pain score decreased by 6 points (p < 0.001) and Rauschning and Lindgren score decreased by two categories, from a 2.6 (category 2-3) preoperatively to 0.6 (category 0-1) postoperatively (p < 0.001).

Mini-open popliteal cyst excision is a safe and effective technique for refractory popliteal cysts in patients who desire a decrease in pain, an increase range of motion, and improved function in knee flexion and extension. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients over a longer duration as our one patient with a 10-year follow-up required a repeat procedure.