Ganglion “A Rare Finding in Popliteal Fossa”

Abstract

Most medical conditions that occur in the popliteal fossa are symptomatic due to the compact anatomy of the area. Usually common problems behind the knee involve either the soft tissue, and/or vasculature and therefore are limited to several commonly known pathology and sequela. Complications behind the knee are mostly consistent in presentation due to a set of conditions, and are age/gender specific.

Ultrasound is a noninvasive (and for the most part) painless and inexpensive exam with a high sensitivity for identifying atypical structures behind the knee. This article draws attention to a rare mass in the popliteal space, which required an alternate approach to a set protocol in order to meet the specific symptoms of the patient. As a result, we were able to identify the vascular effect caused by this mass. In this particular situation, with the aid of another diagnostic modality, proper assessment of the structure was made possible. The findings were consistent with a ganglion, which is a relatively uncommon occurrence behind the knee.