Arthroscopic evaluation of intra-articular haemangiomatous lesions. A technical note.
Published online: Apr 27 2005
Kedar CHIRPUTKAR, Konstantinos GIANNIKAS, Paul RAE
From North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
Abstract
We are describing an arthroscopy tip, which is helpful
in suspected/diagnosed cases of intra-articular
haemangioma of the knee.
Intra-articular haemangiomas of the knee are a rare
but known condition. Arthroscopy or MRI can be
used for diagnosis.
Arthroscopy was performed in a case of haemangioma
diagnosed on MRI performed for anterior
knee pain. Appearances of the haemangioma were
entirely different when hydrostatic pressures inside
the knee joint were different.
The picture with bright strawberry coloured haemangioma
was seen when lowered hydrostatic pressure
in the knee allowed the haemangioma to fill up,
defining its full extent. The appearance of the same
haemangioma changed to a pale appearance when
we allowed hydrostatic pressure to build up inside
the knee.
We recommend that when dealing with intra-articular
haemangiomas of the knee, arthroscopy should
be performed under low hydrostatic pressure for
better and complete visualisation of the haemangioma,
which will prevent incomplete treatment.