Popliteal cyst

Background

• Develops posteriorly and inferiorly to the knee as a distention of a local bursa
• Cyst frequently communicates w/ knee joint; intra-articular pathology is common

Clinical Features

• Pain/swelling of posterior knee

DDX

• Popliteal venous thrombosis
• Popliteal aneurysm
• Tumor

Management

• Ultrasound is study of choice
• Treatment is conservative; excision may be required in some cases

See Also

• Knee (Minor)

Source

• Tintinalli