Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The presence of popliteal cysts is common, although often unkown to the patient. When spontaneous rupture occurs, the clinical presentation is typically dramatic, frequently prompting the patient to seek emergency care. Eventually the condition can be mistaken for other pathologies, more commonly deep vein thrombosis, leading to inappropriate treatment. The objective of this study is to describe a case series of spontaneous Baker's cyst ruptures, with a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients with symptomatic ruptured popliteal cyst were treated acutely with anti-inflammatory measures and physical therapy. RESULTS: All patients had a good resolution of their cases with conservative treatment over an average period of one week, and there was no recurrence of cyst rupture. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous rupture of Baker's cyst in adult patients can be very symptomatic and disabling; however, once diagnosed, it responds well to conservative treatment and rarely recurs. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.