Objective    To explore the feasibility of arthroscopic surgery for knee osteoarthritis with Baker’s cyst.     Methods    Thirty-four patients of knee osteoarthritis with Baker’s cyst were treated with arthroscopic techniques under local anaesthesia

14 males and 20 females

aged from 53 to 66 years (average 61 years). Before operation

28 cases underwent MRI scanning

14 CT scanning

12 ultrasonography

and 5 cystography. Under local anaesthesia

a routine arthroscopic inspection

debridement of cartilage and menisci

and synovium resection were carried out. Then the cyst wall was separated from surrounding tissues and removed. Radiofrequency coblation device was used to coagulate and remove the pathological tissues in the prone position.     Results    Imaging evaluation revealed that 26 cases were of cartilage degeneration and 11 of menisci injuries

and the Baker’s cysts of 28 cases were found to be communicated with the posterior capsule. All 34 cases were followed up for 9-32 months

averaging 16 months. Knee symptoms of pain

swelling

locking

and Baker’s cyst were relieved in 29 cases. The patients regained normal squatting and walking functions and felt satisfied. No vascular injuries

wound infections

or thrombosis were reported. The recurrence of Baker’s cyst in 2 cases was involved in severe knee osteoarthritis.     Conclusion    Arthroscopic resection of Baker’s cyst with joint debridement is an alternative procedure with less trauma

fast rehabilitation

and satisfied outcomes.