An epidermal inclusion cyst mimicking chronic prepatellar bursitis: a case report

Soft tissue lesions are common to the prepatellar region, often due to acute or chronic trauma, and most frequently include prepatellar bursitis, lipomas, and ganglion cysts. We report a case of a posttraumatic prepatellar epidermal inclusion cyst to highlight the diagnostic complexities that can arise with soft tissue lesions in this location. On the basis of our case report, treating orthopaedic surgeons should consider the possibility of an epidermal inclusion cyst in patients who present with atypical anterior soft tissue masses with a history of trauma to the anterior knee.