Intra-articular ganglion cysts in the knee large enough to cause neurovascular claudication are rare entities only identified in singular case reports. The severity of claudication can cause debilitating symptoms and pain to previously highly functional and asymptomatic patients. Total knee arthroplasty has been described to treat these cysts in elderly patients with osteoarthritis, although this treatment pathway may not appeal to patients without antecedent pain and high activity levels. This surgical report will detail a reproducible method of arthroscopic decompression of posterior, intra-articular cysts to relieve vascular claudication by highlighting technical pearls in navigating posterior knee arthroscopy.

The management of chronic extensor mechanism injuries represents a significant challenge for orthopaedic surgeons, with numerous options for graft choice and fixation construct, but no clear consensus on which technique achieves optimal outcomes. Although there is little published data regarding outcomes of different fixation methods, small case series have demonstrated modest success using Achilles tendon bone block allografts and transverse patellar screw fixation. In this technical note, we describe a surgical technique for the treatment of a chronic inferior pole patella fracture, with extensor mechanism reconstruction using an Achilles tendon allograft with suture tape augmentation. Our technique describes the use of vertical cannulated screws in the patella for passing tape augmentation sutures, increased construct security by suturing of the Achilles graft directly to the quadriceps tendon, and the use of a post screw in the proximal tibia for suture tape augmentation.