Table 2 Clinical presentation of knee cysts

Popliteal Cyst

Popliteal fossa (gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa)

Posterior knee pain, swelling, stiffness

Rupture, nerve compression, DVT-like symptoms

[1, 2, 13, 15]

Meniscal Cyst

Adjacent to meniscal tears (medial/lateral meniscus)

Localized pain, swelling, locking, mechanical symptoms

Bone erosion, nerve impingement

[1, 21,22,23, 30]

PTFJ Cyst

Proximal tibiofibular joint

Lateral knee pain, swelling, peroneal nerve involvement

Foot drop, sensory deficits, chronic pain

[1, 4, 7]

Ganglion Cyst

Intra-articular (ACL, PCL) or periarticular

Asymptomatic or knee pain with restricted ROM

Nerve compression, joint impingement

[1, 7, 26, 28]

Parameniscal Cyst

Near the meniscus

Pain, joint instability, effusion

Increased risk of recurrence, cartilage damage

[30]