Search citation statements
Paper Sections
Citation Types
Year Published
Publication Types
Relationship
Authors
Journals
Background: Treatment methods for popliteal cysts have varied over the past several decades and have posed challenges to providers as recurrences were frequent. With greater understanding of relevant anatomy, both operative and nonoperative treatment methods have evolved to appropriately target relevant pathology and improve outcomes. The purposes of this review were to outline the evolution of treatment methods and to qualitatively summarize clinical outcomes. Methods: We performed a systematic review on treatments for popliteal cysts to include publications from 1970 to 2019. Other inclusion criteria consisted of studies with ≥10 patients enrolled, studies with a patient age of ≥16 years, studies with an adequate description of the treatment technique, and studies with a Level of Evidence of IV or higher. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and literature quality was assessed using a modified Coleman methodology score. Results: Thirty studies met inclusion criteria in this review. Nine studies discussed nonoperative treatment, and 21 studies discussed operative treatment. Eight of the 9 nonoperative treatment studies utilized corticosteroid injections. The most recent studies have advocated for ultrasound-guided intracystic injection with possible cyst fenestration. Most operative studies utilized an arthroscopic approach to enlarge the communication with the joint space. However, alternative treatment techniques are still utilized. Conclusions: The current literature on the treatment of popliteal cysts indicates that intracystic corticosteroid injection with cyst fenestration is an effective nonoperative treatment method. Arthroscopic surgical procedures with enlargement of the communication have been most widely studied, with positive results; however, further studies are needed to confirm superiority over other treatment methods. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Background: Treatment methods for popliteal cysts have varied over the past several decades and have posed challenges to providers as recurrences were frequent. With greater understanding of relevant anatomy, both operative and nonoperative treatment methods have evolved to appropriately target relevant pathology and improve outcomes. The purposes of this review were to outline the evolution of treatment methods and to qualitatively summarize clinical outcomes. Methods: We performed a systematic review on treatments for popliteal cysts to include publications from 1970 to 2019. Other inclusion criteria consisted of studies with ≥10 patients enrolled, studies with a patient age of ≥16 years, studies with an adequate description of the treatment technique, and studies with a Level of Evidence of IV or higher. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and literature quality was assessed using a modified Coleman methodology score. Results: Thirty studies met inclusion criteria in this review. Nine studies discussed nonoperative treatment, and 21 studies discussed operative treatment. Eight of the 9 nonoperative treatment studies utilized corticosteroid injections. The most recent studies have advocated for ultrasound-guided intracystic injection with possible cyst fenestration. Most operative studies utilized an arthroscopic approach to enlarge the communication with the joint space. However, alternative treatment techniques are still utilized. Conclusions: The current literature on the treatment of popliteal cysts indicates that intracystic corticosteroid injection with cyst fenestration is an effective nonoperative treatment method. Arthroscopic surgical procedures with enlargement of the communication have been most widely studied, with positive results; however, further studies are needed to confirm superiority over other treatment methods. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.