ArticlePeerJ2026
Arthroscopic internal drainage of popliteal cysts using the figure-of four position: a retrospective case series.
Article in PeerJ, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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5 authors.
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Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of arthroscopic internal drainage for popliteal cysts using the figure-of-four position. Methods: Between January 2016 and June 2024, 61 patients with symptomatic popliteal cysts underwent arthroscopic internal drainage with the knee positioned in a figure-of-four, while intra-articular lesions were managed with synovial debridement, meniscal repair/formation, and removal of loose bodies. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of popliteal cysts and concomitant intra-articular lesions. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by Rauschning-Lindgren (R-L) grade, Lysholm scale, visual analogue scale (VAS) score preoperatively and postoperatively, and popliteal cyst recurrence. Results: All patients underwent successful surgery without major vascular and nerve injury. The average operation time was 66.1 ± 9.0 min. The average intraoperative blood loss was 8.34 ± 1.82 ml. All patients were followed up for an average of 13.46 months (5-24 months). No knee joint infection, lower extremity thrombosis, or neurovascular bundle injury were found during follow-up. The VAS score decreased from 5.54 ± 1.19 points preoperatively to 2.75 ± 0.77 points at 1 month postoperatively ( Conclusion: Arthroscopic internal drainage of popliteal cysts using the figure-of-four position is a technically feasible and safe procedure that resulted in significant clinical improvement and a low rate of asymptomatic recurrence at short-to-mid-term follow-up. The figure-of-four position appears to be a useful technical adjunct for improving access and working space in the posteromedial compartment, and warrants further investigation.
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