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Popliteal cysts: a reassessment using magnetic resonance imaging
J R Fielding1, P D Franklin, J Kustan
1Department of Radiology, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts.
Skeletal Radiology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 5% incidence of popliteal cysts, lower than previously thought. Popliteal cysts are strongly linked to medial meniscus tears and, for the first time, anterior cruciate ligament tears.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Popliteal cysts are fluid collections behind the knee.
- Previous incidence estimates may be inflated due to arthrography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for detailed knee joint visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of popliteal cysts using MRI.
- To reevaluate the association between popliteal cysts and meniscal or ligamentous knee injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of over 1000 knee MRI examinations.
- Patients were referred for evaluation of internal knee derangement.
- Analysis of popliteal cyst presence and associated meniscal and ligamentous tears.
Main Results:
- A 5% incidence of popliteal cysts was observed.
- A strong association between popliteal cysts and medial meniscus tears was confirmed.
- A 13% association between popliteal cysts and complete anterior cruciate ligament tears was identified.
Conclusions:
- The actual incidence of popliteal cysts is likely lower than previously reported.
- Popliteal cysts are significantly associated with medial meniscus tears.
- Popliteal cysts are also associated with complete anterior cruciate ligament tears, a novel finding.