Popliteal Cysts: Historical Background and Current Knowledge

Popliteal cysts were first described in 1840 by Adams, but it is from Baker's writing in 1877 that we derive the commonly used eponymic term "Baker's cyst." Associated intra-articular lesions are very common with popliteal cysts. Ultra-sonography, arthrography, and magnetic resonance imaging have all proved useful in distinguishing popliteal cysts from other cysts and from soft-tissue tumors about the knee, as well as in identifying coexisting intra-articular lesions. Cysts in pediatric patients are generally self-limited and should be treated conservatively. In the adult population, treatment is primarily nonsurgical. Arthroscopic evaluation is indicated if an intra-articular lesion is causing mechanical symptoms or if there is no response to appropriate conservative treatment, such as use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and compression sleeves. Surgical excision is reserved for cases in which this approach has been unsuccessful.