Ultrasound-guided arthroscopic communication enlargement surgery may be an ideal treatment option for popliteal cysts – indications and technique

Purpose Several studies have shown an excellent success rate of communication enlargement surgery for popliteal cysts (Baker’s cysts). Ultrasound-guided surgery can improve the accuracy of this procedure and may lead to better outcomes. This study describes a simple ultrasound-guided arthroscopic technique to manage popliteal cysts and reduce postoperative pain. Methods After routine arthroscopic observation with a standard 2-portal approach, the arthroscope is redirected toward the posteromedial compartment from the anterolateral portal through the intercondylar notch. A posteromedial portal is then placed at this view. Subsequently, a contrast dye (indigo carmine) is injected into the popliteal cyst percutaneously using ultrasonography. This procedure makes it easier to find a capsular fold or valvular opening. The valvular opening between the semimembranosus and medial gastrocnemius is enlarged with a shaver and radiofrequency ablation. Cystectomy is not performed in any case. Finally, the irrigation fluid is suctioned, and the reduced cyst is visualized by ultrasound. Additionally, a periarticular multimodal drug injection is administered into the septum and inner wall of the cyst under ultrasound guidance. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided arthroscopic surgery for popliteal cysts can ensure reproducibility and be effective for postoperative pain relief. Thus, this combined procedure may be an optimal treatment option.

Comparison of the postoperative analgesic effect for infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee and that of periarticular multimodal drug injection in total knee arthroplasty: retrospective study in the immediate postoperative period

Background The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative analgesic effect of infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the knee (IPACK) and the effect of periarticular multimodal drug injection (PMDI) in addition to adductor canal block (ACB) after total knee arthroplasty. Methods Among patients who received total knee arthroplasty from June 2017 to December 2017, 50 who underwent ACB with additional IPACK and 50 who received ACB with additional PMDI were selected for this study. We compared the postoperative pain numerical rating scale (NRS), the number of times patient-controlled analgesia was administered and the amount administered, the total amount of opioids given, and complications associated with the procedure between the two groups. Results NRS measured at rest and 45° knee flexion at days 1 and 2 after surgery was significantly lower in the IPACK group than in the PMDI group. The resting NRS measured at day 3 after surgery was also significantly lower in the IPACK group than in the PMDI group, and the NRS at 45° knee flexion measured from day 3 to day 5 showed a significant reduction in the IPACK group. No complications relating to the procedure occurred. Conclusions IPACK may be a better option than PMDI for controlling acute phase pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.