Compartment syndrome secondary to Baker's cyst rupture: A case report and up-to-date review

An unexpected event after deep vein thrombosis in spinal cord injury: Ruptured Baker's cyst

Context: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a well-known complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) may be used in SCI patients who develop DVT, but can lead to subcutaneous bleeding. If subcutaneous bleeding occurs, then lymphedema, cellulitis, muscle or tendon tearing, or baker's cyst rupture should be considered in the differential diagnosis.Findings: Herein, we present a 61-year-old female patient who was hospitalized for rehabilitation due to paraplegia, and used LMWH due to DVT development. The patient suddenly developed pain, swelling, and discoloration of the left lower extremity. Although subcutaneous hemorrhage was considered initially, ultrasound and MRI revealed a ruptured Baker's cyst. In addition to supportive therapy, ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed.Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: In this report, we present a case of clinically severe Baker's cyst rupture, which occurred in the lower extremity of a SCI patient using LMWH due to DVT in the same extremity. To our knowledge, no similar cases have been reported.

[The Baker's cyst - a blunt sword of Damokles in radiosynoviorthesis (RSO)?]

The existence of a popliteal Baker's cyst was regarded as a contraindication for radiosynoviorthesis of the knee joint since decades. A so-called "ventile mechanism" was discussed leading to a significant concentration of the intraarticularly applied, high energy beta emitting radiopharmaceutical yttrium-90-colloid in the cyst. This cyst arises from a bursa beneath the tendon of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, normally communicating with the knee joint space. Since the cyst wall is much thinner than the knee joint capsule, a radiogenic rupture of the cyst was feared, leading to severe radiogenic necroses of the surrounding soft tissue. Due to this potential hazard, knee joint ultrasound is mandatory prior to radiosynoviorthesis to check for any popliteal cysts. New studies however decline the risk of a radiogenic cyst rupture after an appropriately performed radiosynoviorthesis of the knee joint.In case of a preexistent cyst rupture, the risk of a radiogenic tissue damage remains an issue and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice to exclude this potential hazard. However, MRI sometimes leads to equivocal results. Scintigraphy of the knee joint after intraarticular application of Tc-99m-nanocolloid offers the possibility to check for the integrity of the Baker's cyst in these patients to be sure that radiosynoviorthesis will not lead to a relevant extraarticular leakage with soft tissue necroses. This study describes the procedure of intracavitary distribution scintigraphy by means of representative case reports.

A Case of Atraumatic Acute Compartment Syndrome: Beware of the Existence of This Orthopaedic Emergency: A Case Report

CASE

We present a 44-year-old man diagnosed with atraumatic, idiopathic acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the left lower extremity treated with an emergent single incision fasciotomy with the release of the anterior and lateral compartments. The patient's condition was diagnosed without delay and successfully treated, resulting in a full recovery.

CONCLUSION

Immediate diagnosis and emergent surgical treatment of atraumatic ACS is critical in preventing surgical complications and preserving function of the limb. Recognition of this condition existing in the absence of the typical history of an inciting event or underlying predisposition is important to avoid missing the need for emergent surgical intervention.