Popliteal cyst surgery

Popliteal cysts usually occur in children. This type of cyst needs to be removed surgically. After removal, in order to avoid damage to the wound, the leg is often immobilized with plaster. Long-term immobilization can cause muscle atrophy, especially when children are in the growth and development stage. Therefore, in addition to the knee joint, the movement of the hip and ankle joints must be guaranteed. The following article introduces the preoperative preparation for popliteal cyst. Let’s take a look.

Preoperative preparation for popliteal cystectomy

1. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, an ultrasound examination can be performed to understand the nature of the mass.

2. When a popliteal cyst is suspected to be associated with a lesion within the knee joint, an MRI examination should be performed.

Steps of popliteal cyst removal

1. Incision

A transverse midline incision is made on the surface of the popliteal cyst, with the two ends slanting upward and downward to form an "S"-shaped incision.

2. Reveal

The skin and subcutaneous tissue are cut along the incision direction to expose the deep and superficial fascia. The skin flap is pulled apart to both sides and the cyst can be seen protruding outward. Separate along the cyst wall, trying not to break the cyst, until it reaches the pedicle of the cyst or connects to the joint capsule.

3. Cyst removal

The knee is flexed so that the hamstrings and gastrocnemius are relaxed, allowing easy visualization of the cyst located between the semimembranosus and the medial head of the gastrocnemius. Then use scissors or a scalpel to further peel off the root of the cyst and completely remove it at the pedicle.

4. Closing the incision

After flushing with saline, if the cyst is connected to the knee joint, the joint capsule should be sutured continuously. A rubber drainage strip was placed in the incision and the incision was closed layer by layer.

Postoperative care of popliteal cyst resection

1. The rubber drainage strip of the incision is retained for 2 days.

2. Apply pressure bandage to the incision after surgery.

3. Remove the stitches 2 weeks after surgery, and then start knee flexion and extension activities.

4. After the operation, the lower limbs are fixed with plaster for 2 weeks.