In regard to arthroscopic treatment of
popliteal cysts, we explored the refuted pathology for
popliteal cysts proposed by others. Here we introduce an arthroscopic technique using posterior portals to treat a
popliteal cyst based on our observation that the opening of the
cyst in the joint is a slit-like structure in the posterior wall of the
capsule. By disrupting this slit-like structure with our procedure, the
popliteal cyst ceased to be palpable and was no longer symptomatic. This technique also provides excellent arthroscopic visualization of the cavity of the
popliteal cyst through the knee joint approach. After completion of the resection of the opening, we can easily insert an
arthroscope into the cavity of the
popliteal cyst from the posteromedial portal through the resected opening. Arthroscopic visualization of the cavity of the
cyst showed that the inside wall of the cavity was smooth and had no
synovitis. We believe that to disrupt this slit structure is the most pathologically reasonable procedure to treat
popliteal cysts surgically.