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Parameniscal Cyst Arthroscopic Excision by the Modified Fat Pad Approach Can Shorten Recovery Time-A New Surgical
1Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Objectives:
Parameniscal cysts can be removed without meniscectomy, but for large or multiloculated meniscal cysts, traditional arthroscopic excision may leave the meniscus unstable. This study aimed to describe a modified fat pad approach for parameniscal cyst arthroscopic excision that retains a stable structure of the synovial margin of the meniscus and to compare the clinical outcomes between the traditional cyst excision and modified excision techniques.
Methods:
Fifty-six patients with parameniscal cysts between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively included in this study with 28 patients in each group. All patients underwent arthroscopic parameniscal cyst excisions with traditional and modified excision techniques respectively in each group. The International Knee Documentation Committee subjective (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Tegner score, active range of motion (ROM) and time to recover full ROM were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes by using the t-test.
Results:
The patient population included 21 males and 35 females, with a mean follow-up of 29 months. Of these, 28 patients underwent traditional arthroscopic cyst excisions and meniscal sutures, and 28 patients underwent arthroscopic excisions by the modified fat pad approach. There were no significant differences in the IKDC score, Lysholm score, Tegner score or VAS score between the traditional and modified excision groups at the final follow-up time point. However, the postoperative time to recover full ROM in the modified excision group was significantly lower than those in the traditional excision group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Arthroscopic excision with the modified fat pad approach yielded a shorter pain phase and less time to recover full ROM during recovery compared with the traditional arthroscopic excision. The new method seemed to be effective, as evidenced by the positive clinical outcomes of patients.
Insights
A modified arthroscopic approach for parameniscal cysts significantly reduces recovery time and pain duration. This technique preserves meniscus stability, offering a better alternative to traditional excision methods for knee cyst treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Meniscal Cysts
Background:
- Parameniscal cysts can be treated arthroscopically.
- Large or multiloculated cysts may compromise meniscal stability with traditional excision.
- A modified fat pad approach aims to preserve meniscal integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a modified arthroscopic fat pad approach for parameniscal cyst excision.
- To compare clinical outcomes of the modified approach versus traditional excision.
- To evaluate meniscus stability and recovery metrics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 56 patients (2014-2018) with parameniscal cysts.
- 28 patients underwent traditional arthroscopic excision, 28 underwent modified fat pad approach.
- Clinical outcomes assessed using IKDC, Lysholm, VAS, Tegner scores, and range of motion (ROM).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner, or VAS scores between groups.
- The modified fat pad approach group showed a significantly shorter time to recover full ROM (p < 0.05).
- Mean follow-up was 29 months.
Conclusions:
- The modified fat pad approach for arthroscopic parameniscal cyst excision is effective.
- This technique results in a shorter pain phase and faster ROM recovery.
- The modified method maintains meniscus stability and offers positive clinical outcomes.
