78 - A Case Report: Rare Presentation of a Popliteal (Baker’s) Cyst in a Male Donor

Poster Board Number: 78
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Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Zoe Michael, M.S. - Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine; Tai Metzger - Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine; Jessica Maksimik - Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine; Eva Neuenschwander - Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine; Diana Mansour - Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine; Malli Barremkala, MBBS - Associate Professor, Founding Director of Body Donation Program, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Abstract Body : Introduction & Objective: In this case study, we discuss the observed finding of a right-sided popliteal cyst in a male donor discovered during dissection in an anatomical laboratory setting. A popliteal cyst, or Baker’s cyst, has been described as a pocket of synovial fluid in the posterior popliteal region forming in the interconnection between the knee joint and bursae and is often associated with underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, or other knee joint injuries.



Materials & Methods: Routine cadaveric dissection was completed on 21 body donors at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB).



Results: Baker’s cyst filled with calcified loose bodies was found in one male donor aged 92 years. Following this finding, a literature review was conducted to better understand the prevalence of Baker’s cysts in anatomic donors and the clinical implications this finding could have.



Conclusion: As current literature largely reports on this condition in living patients, our case study fills the gap by presenting insights into the occurrence of this condition in human donors. Notably, the presence of calcified loose bodies in the cyst adds a key finding in our case report. Histopathological analysis of the popliteal cyst is underway offering a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying pathology.


Significance/Implication: This case study provides an invaluable opportunity for medical students to integrate anatomy and clinical presentation, enhancing their understanding of the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical implications of popliteal cysts.