Popliteal cysts in children: a retrospective study of 62 cases.

Popliteal cysts in children are usually asymptomatic and are usually found fortuitously by the parents. This study presents a series of 62 children with popliteal cysts. Among the 51 patients who received no treatment, the cysts had already disappeared at the time of the study in 43 patients; the remaining 8 patients are under 14 years of age and are without complaints. This study confirms the hypothesis that the primary popliteal cyst in children usually disappears before the age of 18. Surgery presents unnecessary risks for the patient ; moreover, the chance of recurrence after surgery is real.