Multilobulated popliteal cyst after a failed total knee arthroplasty

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007 Feb;15(2):212-6. doi: 10.1007/s00167-006-0155-1. Epub 2006 Aug 5.

Abstract

Popliteal cyst is a rare finding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but when present, it might indicate a malfunction of the TKA related to generation of wear-particles, or loosening. We present a case of a multilobulated popliteal cyst developing in a patient 8 years after primary TKA. The cyst was associated with a mechanical prosthetic loosening. The primary complaint of the patient was pain in the posterior region of the knee. A two-stage procedure consisting of cyst excision at first, followed after 5 months by a revision TKA was performed. Intraoperatively, a darkish, multilobulated cyst with a well-defined thick wall filled with fluid containing polyethylene debris, communicating with the knee joint was found. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient was satisfied and walked without the support of a cane. The patient presented a satisfactory knee range of motion. Clinical, radiological and ultrasound investigations ruled out popliteal cyst recurrence. A dissecting popliteal cyst associated with a failed TKA should be excised because it contains polyethylene debris that constitutes an induced factor for prosthetic loosening. A two-stage procedure with quite a long time in-between, as presented in this paper, can be a useful alternative to manage such a problem, in particular in very old patients associated with other medical problems.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Popliteal Cyst / diagnostic imaging
  • Popliteal Cyst / etiology*
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Reoperation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed