title: The clinical significance of the valve mechanism in communicating popliteal cysts.
abstract: In a previous investigation of 41 patients presenting with distended popliteal cysts, a valvular mechanism was demonstrated in 25 cases by means of a specific arthrographic procedure. In the present study the clinical symptoms and signs from the popliteal space and from the joint were assessed and related to the presence or absence of a valvular mechanism. By arthroscopy or arthrotomy seventeen associated knee disorders were diagnosed, e.g., synovitis, osteoarthritis, and tears of a semilunar cartilage. Intraarticular symptoms and intrinsic joint diseases were significantly correlated to the absence of a valve mechanism. The presence of a valve mechanism was indicative of the absence of pathological findings in the joint.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000150:complications; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications; D013581:Synovial Cyst / Q000473:pathology*; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000503:physiopathology