LOCALISED HVPERTROPHY OF THE SEMIMEMBRANOSUS MUSCLE SIMULATING POPLITEAL CYST

Abstract

1. Two cases of swelling in the popliteal fossa due to a local hypertrophy of the semimembranosus muscle are described and two further cases thought to be of similar nature are noted.

2. The swelling was soft, not tender, fairly well circumscribed, and without signs of inflammation. Its most characteristic feature was an increase in size and hardening of the swelling during active flexion of the knee.

3. This condition should be considered in differential diagnosis of swellings of the popliteal fossa.