title: Cysts and other masses about the knee: identifying and treating common and rare lesions.
abstract: Masses about the knee are most commonly benign cysts. The diagnosis can often be made with a history and physical exam, but radiographs and MRI are sometimes required, and histologic evaluation is occasionally necessary. Popliteal (Baker's) cysts are often indicative of arthritis; treatment for the underlying pathology may reduce swelling and permit resorption. Meniscal cysts indicate an underlying tear; treatment is resection and cyst excision. Symptomatic ganglion cysts generally require surgical excision. Treatment for bursitis is conservative. The less-common synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, synovial sarcoma, and lesions of the proximal tibiofibular joint generally require referral and surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-6902, USA.
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Shapiro