clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
In children it is an incidental finding and usually parents note the painless mass in the popliteal area (1). Adults may complain of a swelling, a mass, pain, or stiffness which worsen by activity (2). In a study which observed 82 patients with surgically treated cysts
- a mass was the main concern in 68 patients
- local aching was seen in 46 patients
- stiffness was present in 13 patients
- swelling was present in 9 patients (2)
The swelling seen in popliteal cyst
- is present at the medial aspect of the popliteal area
- is round, smooth, fluctuant, trans-illuminates and is often tender
- increases in tension on extension of the knee and soften or disappear when the knee is flexed to 45 degrees - (Foucher's sign) (2)
Reference: