Popliteal cysts in children: another look.

This retrospective review of 46 popliteal cysts seen in 44 patients at a pediatric orthopedic referral center clarifies the presenting symptomatology, associated conditions, and likely duration of a popliteal cyst, and the need for intervention. The patients were followed up for more than 1 year. Thirty-six of the 46 cysts with duration data showed no resolution of the popliteal cyst during the period of observation (average, 32.1 months). The 10 cysts that showed clinical resolution were present for an average of 16.9 months. The benign course of action for virtually all patients obviated the need for intervention and supports the adequacy of only clinical examination, with no need for recurrent sonography.