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Popliteal swellings


Popliteal swellings are common. The majority are easily diagnosed on clinical examination alone.

Causes

Superficial

  • ●

    Sebaceous cyst

  • ●

    Lipoma

  • ●

    Varix of the short saphenous vein

Deep

  • ●

    Lymphadenopathy

  • ●

    Semi-membranosus bursa

  • ●

    Baker’s cyst

  • ●

    Popliteal artery aneurysm ( Fig. 49 )

    Figure 49, Femoral angiogram of a patient who presented with a pulsatile, expansile swelling in the right popliteal fossa .

Bony

  • ●

    Exostoses

  • ●

    Osteogenic sarcoma

History

Superficial

Sebaceous cyst

A sebaceous cyst will present as a firm swelling in the skin, often with a distinct punctum (opening). It may be tender if it becomes inflamed and there may be a discharge from it.

Lipoma

This presents as a soft, fluctuant and often lobulated swelling in the subcutaneous tissue.

Varix of the short saphenous vein

This presents as a soft swelling behind the knee, usually associated with varicose veins of the short saphenous system.

Deep

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