Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst
Published on: March 31, 2023
Subsynovial epidermal inclusion cyst of the knee
Anne-Sophie Vanhoenacker1, Patrick Seynaeve2, Frederik Vanrietvelde2
1Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. asvanhoenacker@gmail.com.
Insights
A rare intra-articular epidermal inclusion cyst caused knee swelling in a woman. This case highlights the importance of considering these cysts in knee imaging, especially after trauma or surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Dermatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Epidermal inclusion cysts are common benign subcutaneous tumors.
- Intra-articular location is rare and can mimic other joint pathologies.
- History of trauma or arthroscopy increases suspicion.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old woman presented with a painful, swollen right knee.
- Imaging revealed an intra-articular structure.
- A 2-year history of knee puncture and arthroscopy was noted.
Findings:
- A subsynovial epidermal inclusion cyst was diagnosed.
- Ruptured cysts can elicit an inflammatory response.
- Surgical excision is the standard treatment.
Implications:
- This case expands the differential diagnosis for intra-articular knee masses.
- Radiologists and orthopedic surgeons should consider epidermal inclusion cysts in relevant cases.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
Abstract:
We report a case of a subsynovial epidermal inclusion cyst in a 47-year-old woman with a painful spontaneous swelling of the right knee and a 2-year history of puncture and arthroscopy. Epidermal inclusion cysts are one of the most common benign subcutaneous tumours. Very rarely, they are located in an articulation and can cause an inflammatory reaction when rupture occurs. Simple surgical excision is the preferred therapy. The main goal of this case report is to include the possibility of an intra-articular epidermal inclusion cyst into the differential when imaging shows an intra-articular structure, and more so if there is a history of trauma, intra-articular puncture or arthroscopy.
Related Concept Videos
Inclusive Fitness
Cell Inclusions
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Taxonomy
Hierarchy of Taxonomy
The hierarchy that Carolus Linnaeus first...

