Popliteal cysts: etiologic and therapeutic approach
Billières, J.; Lascombes, P.; Peter, R.
Revue Medicale Suisse 10(432): 1211-1215
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 24964531 Document Number: 675987
In children and adults, a popliteal cyst frequently coexists with an intra-articular disorder of the knee. Its mode of presentation consists of a palpable mass at the level of the popliteal fossa. The cyst is a recess of the synovial cavity of the knee, often associated to a chronic effusion. In children, the etiology may be primary with a development directly from the medial gastrocnemius-semimembranous bursa. In adults, it is usually secondary to degenerative or inflammatory disease of the knee. A communication between the intraarticular space and the cystic cavity can be often found. The aim of this study is to review epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment options.