[Baker's cysts in children. A retrospective study at the hospitals in the county of Rebe from 1992 to 1998].

Popliteal cysts or Baker's cysts in childhood is a rare disease usually found by the parents. The purpose of this study is to study the recurrence rate after primary surgical resection and conservative treatment of the cysts. We retrospectively found 20 children with Baker's cysts treated at Ribe Amts Hospitals during the period 1992-1998. Thirteen patients were treated conservatively and seven had a surgical resection of the cysts performed. Of the 13 conservatively treated patients the cysts was still present in six patients (46%). In seven patients the cysts had disappeared within nine months. In the surgically treated group the cysts recurred in three patients (43%). Surgical intervention for Baker's cysts in children should only be performed after thorough consideration, due to a high recurrence rate.