Knee cysts are a common finding in orthopedic practice, with diagnoses that range from benign fluid collections to more complex lesions requiring intervention. This comprehensive review explores the types of cysts around the knee, including popliteal (Baker's) cysts, meniscal cysts, proximal tibiofibular joint cysts, and ganglion cysts within the cruciate ligaments. The review highlights the mechanisms of formation, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, differential diagnoses, and treatments for each cyst type. Imaging, particularly MRI, plays a critical role in accurate diagnosis, helping differentiate cysts from other pathologies, such as tumors and vascular lesions. Treatment options vary, from conservative management for asymptomatic cases to surgical interventions, such as arthroscopic cyst removal, for symptomatic cysts or those associated with intra-articular pathologies. Emerging biological treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies, show promise for addressing underlying joint degeneration and inflammation associated with certain cysts, particularly those linked to osteoarthritis. This review underscores the importance of tailored, evidence-based approaches in managing knee cysts to optimize patient outcomes. Keywords: Knee Cysts, Popliteal Cyst, Meniscal Cyst, Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Cyst, Joint Pathology

Background: Knee bursae are potential sources of anterior, medial, lateral, and posterior knee pain, yet many remain under-recognized in clinical practice. Emerging biological therapies offer promising, minimally invasive options for resistant bursitis, but high-level evidence is limited for several bursal types. Purpose: To systematically review the anatomy, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of 11 distinct knee bursae, with emphasis on the role of biologic therapies. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Embase were searched (2000-2024) for studies addressing anatomy, diagnosis, imaging, treatment (conservative, injection-based, biologic, or surgical), and outcomes of knee bursae. Studies involving human subjects, published in English, and reporting clinical, imaging, or therapeutic data were included. Levels of Evidence (LOE) were assigned using Oxford criteria. Results: A total of 76 studies were included. Several randomized controlled trials (LOE I) focused on pes anserine and OA-related bursitis, while additional Level II studies assessed PRP and corticosteroids. Data on rare bursae (e.g., LCL, deep infrapatellar) were primarily derived from imaging reviews and case series (LOE III-IV). Corticosteroid injections showed recurrence rates of 20% to 40%. PRP and PRP+HA demonstrated improved pain relief and reduced recurrence in selected bursae, although protocols remain heterogeneous. Conclusion: Conservative management remains first-line for most bursae. PRP-based therapies, especially in pes anserine and OA-related bursitis, offer promising alternatives in refractory cases. Although several Level I-II studies support their efficacy, additional high-quality RCTs are warranted—particularly for understudied bursae.

Background and purpose: This study aimed to investigate the differences in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) between Jews and Arabs residing in northern Israel, focusing on risk factors, hemorrhage volume, and functional outcome. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted utilizing a population-based registry to investigate intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes. The registry consisted of inpatients diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke. Due to the wide variation in data on ICH characteristics and the limited availability of population-based data on predictors of ICH survival and functional outcomes, we collected retrospective data on all adult patients admitted to the Galilee Medical Center with a diagnosis of ICH. Data were obtained from the registry covering the period from 2013 to 2019. Ethnic differences and risk factors associated with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were examined within a diverse population of 241 patients, comprising 52.70% Jews (n = 127) and 47.30% Arabs (n = 114). Results: The results of this study revealed significant differences in age, obesity rates, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) location between the two ethnic groups. Hypertension emerged as the most prevalent condition among ICH patients in both ethnic groups (76.70%), followed primarily by anticoagulant use (63.60%), dyslipidemia (60.70%), diabetes (44.60%), obesity (30.60%), smoking (24.60%), and a history of cardiovascular disease (21.80%). Furthermore, 20.90% of the patients had a history of previous cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). Arab patients with ICH were generally younger (62.90 ± 16.00 years) and exhibited higher rates of obesity (38.70%) compared to Jewish patients with ICH (70.17 ± 15.24 years, 23% obesity; p = 0.001, p = 0.013, respectively). Hemorrhage volume was identified as a crucial determinant of patient outcomes, with larger volumes associated with poorer Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge and higher mortality rates. Interestingly, patients without hypertension had higher hemorrhage volumes compared to those with hypertension. The extent of hemorrhage into the ventricles did not significantly correlate with mRS at discharge in our dataset. Conclusions: This study highlights significant differences in the characteristics and outcomes of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) between Jews and Arabs in northern Israel. The findings reveal variations in age, obesity rates, and ICH location between the two groups. While hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for both populations, other risk factors differed. Notably, hemorrhage volume emerged as a crucial prognostic factor, aligning with previously published data. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored approaches that consider ethnic-specific factors in the risk assessment, prevention, and management of ICH. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop interventions aimed at improving outcomes and enhancing healthcare practices in ICH management.

Background: Quantifying intraoperative nociceptive responses under general anesthesia remains challenging, particularly during complex procedures such as spinal surgery. The Nociception Level (NoL) index is a multiparametric tool designed to reflect the dynamic balance between nociception and analgesia in anesthetized patients. This study aimed to evaluate NoL fluctuations during predefined phases of spinal surgery and assess their relationship to anesthetic administration. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 44 adult patients undergoing lumbar discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion under remifentanil–propofol anesthesia. Continuous NoL monitoring was performed using the PMD100™ system. Sixteen anatomically and procedurally defined surgical phases were analyzed. The primary outcome was the mean NoL value in each phase. The secondary outcome was the association between NoL values and intraoperative infusion rates of remifentanil and propofol. Repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used for phase comparisons. Results: Mean NoL values remained within the target range (10–25) in most phases. However, significant elevations were observed during pedicle screw insertion (mean 27.9, SD ± 17.7), cage insertion (27.6, SD ± 10.5), and flavectomy (28.0, SD ± 27.0), indicating increased nociceptive burden. The lowest NoL values occurred during skin closure (16.6, SD ± 11.2) and discectomy (18.0, SD ± 2.8). Propofol and remifentanil infusion rates remained within standard clinical ranges but were slightly elevated during high-NoL phases. Conclusions: Despite standardized anesthesia, distinct nociceptive peaks were observed during specific stages of spinal surgery. These findings suggest that NoL monitoring may help identify high-nociception phases and guide tailored analgesic strategies. Future randomized trials are warranted to assess whether protocolized NoL-guided anesthesia improves intraoperative management and postoperative outcomes.