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Popliteal cysts in children. The case against surgery

J M Dinham

    The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
    |February 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Most pediatric popliteal cysts resolve naturally. Surgery for these knee cysts is often unnecessary, as over 70% of untreated cysts disappeared spontaneously in this study.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Orthopedics
    • Musculoskeletal Conditions
    • Medical Case Reviews

    Background:

    • Popliteal cysts, also known as Baker's cysts, are common in children.
    • Their natural history and optimal management strategies require further elucidation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the natural history of pediatric popliteal cysts.
    • To compare spontaneous resolution rates with outcomes following surgical intervention.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of 120 pediatric popliteal cyst cases.
    • Analysis of spontaneous resolution in 70 untreated cysts.
    • Evaluation of recurrence rates in 50 surgically treated cysts.

    Main Results:

    • Fifty-one of 70 (73%) untreated popliteal cysts resolved spontaneously over a mean of 1 year and 8 months.
    • Twenty-one of 50 (42%) surgically treated cysts recurred within a mean of 7 months.
    • Three children experienced multiple recurrences after initial surgery.

    Conclusions:

    • The majority of pediatric popliteal cysts resolve without intervention.
    • Surgical treatment for pediatric popliteal cysts is associated with significant recurrence rates.
    • Conservative management is recommended unless there are compelling indications for surgery.

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