Popliteal Cysts: Current Concept review

Sharafatvaziri, Arash; Farahmand, Yalda; Vosoughi, Fardis; Soleymani, Mosayeb; Soleimani Dorcheh, Soroush

doi:10.22038/abjs.2026.88487.4021

Popliteal Cysts: Current Concept review

Articles in Press

Document Type : CURRENT CONCEPTS REVIEW

Authors

Arash Sharafatvaziri ¹

Yalda Farahmand ²

Fardis Vosoughi ³

Mosayeb Soleymani ¹

soroush soleimani dorcheh ⁴

¹ Department of Orthopedics, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Center for Orthopedic Trans-Disciplinary Applied Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Orthopedics,l, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

³ Department of Orthopedics, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shariati Hospital and School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/abjs.2026.88487.4021

Abstract

Popliteal, or Baker’s cyst, represents one of the most prevalent cystic lesions around the knee joint frequently encountered in orthopedic practice. It arises from the distension of the gastrocnemius–semimembranosus bursa within the popliteal fossa, typically filled with synovial fluid. Magnetic resonance imaging is commonly employed to identify these cysts. A range of invasive and non-invasive therapeutic strategies has been described for the treatment of baker’s cyst. This review discusses clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, and effective management approaches for popliteal cysts.

Keywords

Popliteal cyst, Baker'

s cyst, Knee, Arthroscopy

Subjects