RUPTURE OF A BAKERS CYST - A RARE COMPLIC ATION OF KNEE ARTHROSCOPY

We report a case of leakage of irrigation fluid into the extraarticula r soft tissue, due to rupture of a Baker's cyst during arthroscopy of the knee joint. A four - quadrant fasciotomy of the calf musculature w as performed to prevent the devasting ischemic complications of an imm inent compartment syndrome. A survey of the literature reveals no cons ensus regarding the treatment of such complications. On the contrary, some authors recommend avoiding fasciotomy and waiting for spontaneous reabsorption of the irrigation fluid.