BAKERS CYSTS AND TRUE THROMBOPHLEBITIS - REPORT OF 2 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Two patients with knee pain had the unusual combination of a Baker''s [popliteal] cyst and true thrombophlebitis. Baker''s cysts can dissect along the gastrocnemius and can cause leg pain simulating thrombophlebitis, but do not require anticoagulation therapy. The literature implies that the 2 syndromes are mutually exclusive, but the cases support the fact that a dissecting popliteal cyst does not rule out the possibility of thrombophlebitis. Venography should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.