Comparison of two procedures for meniscal cysts. A report of 35 patients with a mean follow-up of 33 months.

Background: The cause, pathogenesis, and appropriate treatment of meniscal cysts remain controversial.

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the results of treatment of meniscal cysts with two different operative procedures.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Methods: Two different operative procedures were compared. Sixteen patients (group 1) had an open excision of the cyst performed in addition to arthroscopic examination of the knee. Nineteen patients (group 2) were treated entirely arthroscopically. The postoperative treatment course was the same for both groups. The mean length of follow-up was 33 months.

Results: The results were excellent or good in 86% of the patients (30 of 35) and were equally good for both procedures. Patients with degenerative changes of the knee joint seemed to have a less favorable outcome.

Conclusions: Good or excellent results can be expected from either open or arthroscopic treatment of meniscal cysts.