Vittorio Calvisi1, Carmine Zoccali2. 1. Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology School, University of L'Aquila, Italy. 2. Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Oncological Orthopedic Department, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa may communicate with the knee joint. The arthroscopic anatomy of the posteromedial aspect varies depending on the angle of the oblique popliteal ligament, the level at which it crosses the medial gastrocnemius tendon, and its relationship with the capsular joint and synovia. The aim of this paper is to identify possible patterns, and to evaluate their characteristics and their relationship with Baker's cyst. METHODS: data archived from 185 consecutive arthroscopies were evaluated; an anatomic description and classification was carried out; the percentages of association with BC and the associated pathologies were reported. RESULTS: The different anatomies were classified into six groups based on the relationship above the medial gastrocnemius tendon, the capsular joint and synovia. The prevalence of Baker's cyst was 28.3%. The main associated intra-articular pathological condition was the contemporary presence of a meniscal tear and chondropathy. CONCLUSION: Exploration of the posterior aspect of the knee must be performed routinely. Knowing the possible anatomy patterns of the posteromedial arthroscopic aspect of the knee joint could help to identify the cyst and its gateway, thus facilitating its treatment. LEVEL OF THE EVIDENCE: III.
BACKGROUND: The gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa may communicate with the knee joint. The arthroscopic anatomy of the posteromedial aspect varies depending on the angle of the oblique popliteal ligament, the level at which it crosses the medial gastrocnemius tendon, and its relationship with the capsular joint and synovia. The aim of this paper is to identify possible patterns, and to evaluate their characteristics and their relationship with Baker's cyst. METHODS: data archived from 185 consecutive arthroscopies were evaluated; an anatomic description and classification was carried out; the percentages of association with BC and the associated pathologies were reported. RESULTS: The different anatomies were classified into six groups based on the relationship above the medial gastrocnemius tendon, the capsular joint and synovia. The prevalence of Baker's cyst was 28.3%. The main associated intra-articular pathological condition was the contemporary presence of a meniscal tear and chondropathy. CONCLUSION: Exploration of the posterior aspect of the knee must be performed routinely. Knowing the possible anatomy patterns of the posteromedial arthroscopic aspect of the knee joint could help to identify the cyst and its gateway, thus facilitating its treatment. LEVEL OF THE EVIDENCE: III.
Authors: Franz Landsiedl; Nicolas Aigner; Michael Hexel; Christian Krasny; Siegfried Schenk; Gunter Steinböck Journal: Arthroscopy Date: 2005-04 Impact factor: 4.772
Authors: Daichi Hayashi; Frank W Roemer; Zineb Dhina; C Kent Kwoh; Michael J Hannon; Carolyn Moore; Ali Guermazi Journal: Arthritis Res Ther Date: 2010-09-15 Impact factor: 5.156