eMedicine Specialties > Orthopedic Surgery > Knee

Cystic Lesions About the Knee: Follow-up

Author: David M Gonzalez, MD, FACS, Partner, Sports Medicine Surgery and General Orthopaedic Surgery, San Antonio Orthopaedic Group
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Jan 24, 2010

Outcome and Prognosis

The treatment objective is to relieve pain and to improve functionality of the extremity by addressing the knee cyst. The best results are obtained if the cyst is properly evaluated, diagnosed, and treated. However, even in the best of hands, recurrence is possible. Baker cysts are notorious for developing synovial fistulae and for becoming infected.

Treating the underlying cause of the knee cyst is key, and appropriate arthroscopic treatment of meniscal tears, articular cartilage injuries, and cruciate ligament tears can also favorably affect results.

Future and Controversies

The etiology of some knee cysts (eg, meniscal cysts, cruciate ganglion cysts) remains controversial. As further reports and histologic studies continue, the origins of such cysts will become clearer.

 


More on Cystic Lesions About the Knee

Overview: Cystic Lesions About the Knee
Workup: Cystic Lesions About the Knee
Treatment: Cystic Lesions About the Knee
Follow-up: Cystic Lesions About the Knee
Multimedia: Cystic Lesions About the Knee
References
Further Reading
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References

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Further Reading

Related eMedicine topics

Baker Cyst

Ganglion Cyst

Prepatellar Bursitis

Osteoarthritis

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Keywords

cystic lesions of the knee, benign soft tissue cysts about the knee, knee cysts, meniscal cysts, popliteal cysts, bursae, bursitis, housemaid's knee, carpet layer's knee, fluid cyst, semisolid cyst, ganglion cysts, intraneural cysts, popliteal artery cysts, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, blood-filled bursae, pus-filled bursae, myxoid intraneural cysts

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

David M Gonzalez, MD, FACS, Partner, Sports Medicine Surgery and General Orthopaedic Surgery, San Antonio Orthopaedic Group
David M Gonzalez, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons, Texas Medical Association, Texas Orthopaedic Association, and Western Orthopaedic Association
Disclosure: Contributor Honoraria Other

Medical Editor

Robert D Bronstein, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine
Robert D Bronstein, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and Medical Society of the State of New York
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Managing Editor

Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center
Thomas M DeBerardino, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Disclosure: Arthrex, Inc. Grant/research funds Other; Arthrex, Inc. Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Genzyme Biosurgery. Inc. Grant/research funds Other; Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Grant/research funds Other; Histogenics Grant/research funds None; Arthrex, Inc. Consulting fee Speaking and teaching

CME Editor

Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS, Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Chief of Arthroscopic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital
Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Carlos J Lavernia, MD, FAAOS, Adjunct Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine; Medical Director, Orthopedic Institute at Mercy Hospital
Carlos J Lavernia, MD, FAAOS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Arthritis Foundation, Biomedical Engineering Society, Florida Orthopaedic Society, and Orthopaedic Research Society
Disclosure: Zimmer Stock Implant Designer

 
 
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