Meniscal cysts causing bone erosion: retrospective analysis of seven cases

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Knee Imaging

Background:

• Meniscal cysts are common knee conditions frequently associated with meniscal tears.
• Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the preferred diagnostic modality, effectively visualizing both the cyst and associated meniscal pathology.
• Routine radiography has limited diagnostic utility for meniscal cysts, with bone erosion being a very rare finding.

Observation:

• This retrospective study analyzed seven patients presenting with meniscal cysts.
• The patients exhibited an association between their meniscal cysts and adjacent bone erosion.
• This observation highlights an uncommon manifestation of meniscal cysts.

Findings:

• Meniscal cysts, while typically diagnosed with MR imaging, can present with adjacent bone erosion.
• The study identified seven cases where meniscal cysts were linked to bone erosions.
• This finding expands the known radiographic manifestations of meniscal cysts.

Implications:

• Radiologists and orthopedic surgeons should consider bone erosion as a potential, albeit rare, sign of meniscal cysts.
• Further investigation may be warranted in cases of unexplained bone erosion adjacent to the meniscus.
• Enhanced awareness of this association could improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management for knee conditions.