Abstract
Also known as popliteal cysts, Baker’s cysts are fluid-filled lesions found in the popliteal fossa, typically originating from the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa. While these cysts are relatively common in adults, with a prevalence ranging from 5.0% to 41.0%, they are extremely rare in children, showing an incidence of just 2.4%. In most cases, Baker’s cysts result from intra-articular knee pathologies that lead to an increased production and sequestration of synovial fluid. The authors present the case of an athletic 16-year-old adolescent boy with a recurrent left-knee Baker’s cyst with magnetic resonance imaging showing no intra-articular pathology. Despite conservative treatment, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and several cyst aspirations, knee instability and pain persisted. Subsequent arthroscopy revealed a longitudinal tear of the posterior horn on the left medial meniscus, which was repaired. Following surgery, Baker’s cyst was resolved. Two months postoperatively, the patient regained 88.0% of his pre-injury strength and successfully returned to sports
Recommended Citation
Singh, Gaurav; Rebecca Peebles; and Justin Bartley. "Recurrent Baker’s Cyst in a Pediatric Athlete: A Case Report." Western Journal of Orthopaedics 14, 1 (2025). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wjo/vol14/iss1/14