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Cureus Feb 2024Popliteal cysts are a collection of synovial fluid found in the popliteal fossa that typically form in adults in association with traumatic injuries, degenerative...
Popliteal cysts are a collection of synovial fluid found in the popliteal fossa that typically form in adults in association with traumatic injuries, degenerative conditions, or inflammatory arthritis of the knee. While often asymptomatic, popliteal cysts may become problematic as enlarging and ruptured cysts may compress surrounding neurovascular structures, resulting in lower extremity edema or peripheral neuropathy. We report a unique case of a symptomatic popliteal cyst in a patient with both compressive neuropathy and venous congestion in the setting of a non-ruptured popliteal cyst after a surgically repaired intraarticular injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a synovial cyst abutting the posterior neurovascular bundle and evidence of avascular necrosis. An open posterior cyst decompression was done, and the patient was able to report significant symptomatic improvement over the course of two weeks postoperatively. The previously noted varicose veins also demonstrated noticeable resolution. While relatively common, popliteal cysts may require prompt surgical decompression in order to provide effective symptomatic relief.
PubMed: 38439999
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53499 -
Cureus Jan 2024Synovial chondromatosis is a rare and benign disorder that involves the synovial lining of joints, synovial sheaths and bursae. The synovial layer of the joint is...
Synovial chondromatosis is a rare and benign disorder that involves the synovial lining of joints, synovial sheaths and bursae. The synovial layer of the joint is affected by a metaplastic process which in turn converts it into cartilagenous tissue. Eventually, it gets dislodged and transformed into a loose body in the large joints. We report the case of a 24-year-old young athlete who presented with complaints of painful movements and restriction of joint movements associated with a growing deformity in the right knee joint. This case report aims to describe a rare synovial pathology that necessitated arthroscopic synovectomy and diagnostic arthroscopy to treat, particularly in younger individuals. The atypical feature, in this case, was metaplastic development from the peripheral joint capsule attached to the surrounding cartilage, which, to the extent that the authors are aware, has only been documented in one instance in the record. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed which demonstrated evidence of the joint effusion, synovial hypertrophy and a loose calcific body just anterior of the distal femoral condyle causing pressure over the patellar tendon anteriorly as well as a hyper-dense cyst in the popliteal region. Treatment often requires partial or complete synovectomy with either an arthroscopic or open approach.
PubMed: 38420086
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53173 -
Cureus Feb 2024Baker's cysts, commonly incidental findings, can occasionally present as intramuscular dissecting cysts within the medial gastrocnemius muscle. This case report...
Baker's cysts, commonly incidental findings, can occasionally present as intramuscular dissecting cysts within the medial gastrocnemius muscle. This case report highlights the ultrasound features and differential diagnoses of intramuscular dissecting Baker's cysts through the examination of three distinct cases: a 64-year-old woman with severe osteoarthritis, an 80-year-old man with a palpable mass in the popliteal fossa, and a 37-year-old man with early degenerative arthropathy. Each case was investigated using ultrasound, revealing fusiform hypoechoic fluid collections with heterogeneous echostructure parallel to the medial gastrocnemius muscle bundle and lacking posterior reinforcement. The clinical context and ultrasound findings were critical in differentiating these cases from other conditions, such as superficial thrombophlebitis, intramuscular seroma, and intramuscular myxoma. These cases emphasize the role of ultrasound in diagnosing intramuscular dissecting Baker's cysts. Accurate diagnosis requires careful consideration of ultrasound features in conjunction with clinical findings.
PubMed: 38322098
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53658 -
Ultrasound (Leeds, England) Feb 2024Patients with posterior knee swellings are commonly encountered in clinical practice with the vast majority referred for an ultrasound scan to assess for a clinically...
INTRODUCTION
Patients with posterior knee swellings are commonly encountered in clinical practice with the vast majority referred for an ultrasound scan to assess for a clinically suspected Baker's cyst.
AIMS
Our aim was to determine the incidence of different pathologies in patients investigated for a posterior knee swelling of a clinically suspected Baker's cyst using ultrasound. We also wanted to investigate the incidence of significant pathologies in the popliteal fossa to assess whether the ultrasound scan findings influenced patient management.
METHODOLOGY
Retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent an ultrasound scan for a suspected Baker's cyst or posterior knee swelling at our institution, between January 2017 and December 2018. Patient demographics, ultrasound findings, further imaging investigations and histopathology were recorded. Patient records were followed up for a minimum period of 3 years after ultrasound.
RESULTS
A total of 680 patients had a posterior knee ultrasound scan. Of that, 51% (347/680) had a Baker's cyst and 40% (273/680) had a normal ultrasound scan. Sixty (9%) patients had other abnormalities identified within the popliteal fossa. Four patients had significant findings on ultrasound that required a change of management. No malignancies identified.
CONCLUSION
This study confirms the high incidence of Baker's cysts in patients presenting with a posterior knee swelling. In the absence of red flag symptoms, ultrasound of the posterior knee for a clinically suspected Baker's cyst is of limited clinical value.
PubMed: 38314015
DOI: 10.1177/1742271X231183356 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jan 2024In the setting of femoroacetabular impingement of the hip joint, paralabral cysts are well-documented sequelae. These cysts are typically associated with labral tears...
In the setting of femoroacetabular impingement of the hip joint, paralabral cysts are well-documented sequelae. These cysts are typically associated with labral tears caused by CAM and/or pincer-type bony lesions. Synovial fluid extravasation through a tear in the labrum, similar to a popliteus cyst, leads to formation of a capsular-based cyst that is usually self-limiting. Few documented cases of these cysts causing compression of nearby neurovascular structures exist. There are several studies documenting arthroscopic decompression of these cysts, but none reporting compression of the femoral vein by a paralabral cyst resulting in deep vein thrombosis. We present the case of a large anterior paralabral cyst causing compression of the right femoral vein in a patient presenting with deep vein thrombosis and hip pain. Treatment consisted of arthroscopic decompression, followed by definitive aspiration by interventional radiology after labral repair and bipolar hip osteoplasty. The purpose of this case report was to document this rare presentation and offer learning points from our experience.
Topics: Humans; Cysts; Popliteal Cyst; Pain; Venous Thrombosis; Decompression
PubMed: 38265245
DOI: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-23-00178 -
Journal of ISAKOS : Joint Disorders &... Apr 2024Extraarticular infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr) is a rare condition with challenging diagnosis because the symptoms are milder and more...
Extraarticular infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr) is a rare condition with challenging diagnosis because the symptoms are milder and more insidious when compared to septic arthritis. When late (>2 months after surgery), it tends to be associated with osteomyelitis, requiring more extensive surgical debridement and hardware removal. We report a case of extraarticular infection after ACLr, in the acute phase affecting the tibial site and 9 years after index surgery affecting around the femur site. There was no progression to osteomyelitis at any of the sites. The infection developed a large posterolateral encapsulated abscess, with the endobutton plate loose inside it with its loop intact. In addition to the absence of osteomyelitis progression, there was no sinus tract formation, graft or joint involvement. With open debridement and antibiotic therapy, the patient returned to his activities without limitations. The reported case highlights that extraarticular infection after ACLr, while rare, can be challenging to diagnose and treat. However, with appropriate treatment, it can lead to good results with no functional limitations.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Osteomyelitis; Tibia; Femur; Arthritis, Infectious
PubMed: 38081388
DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2023.12.004 -
American Journal of Physical Medicine &... Apr 2024There are many types of cysts in the leg; the most common is a popliteal (Baker's) cyst. This occurs when synovial fluid fills the tissue plane between the medial head...
There are many types of cysts in the leg; the most common is a popliteal (Baker's) cyst. This occurs when synovial fluid fills the tissue plane between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the semimembranosus muscle and is often associated with intraarticular knee pathology. Treatment for various types of cysts includes aspiration with or without fenestration, injections with corticosteroids, dextrose, or various sclerosing agents, and surgical excision. This case describes a 58-yr-old man with a large cyst measuring 14.7 × 2.7 × 3.1 cm in size in the lateral calf, within the lateral gastrocnemius, with atypical size and location for a calf cyst. Computed tomography arthrogram showed intraarticular communication with the knee. The cyst recurred after two aspirations and injections with 25% dextrose/lidocaine. Aspiration and injection with doxycycline resulted in temporary relief followed by recurrence. Complete cyst resolution occurred after final aspiration without injectate. The cyst was likely synovial based on location, intraarticular communication, and fluid analysis. We suspect that complete resolution may have been due to repeated aspiration and injection, essentially performing longitudinal cyst fenestration, with possible contribution from doxycycline injection. Further study of intracyst doxycycline injection with reaspiration after 10 mins for treatment of refractory cysts may be warranted.
Topics: Male; Humans; Popliteal Cyst; Sclerotherapy; Doxycycline; Leg; Cysts; Glucose
PubMed: 37903617
DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002358 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023The Baker cyst (BC), also known as the popliteal cyst or parameniscal cyst, is a fluid-filled sac that normally develops in the back of the knee, between the...
The Baker cyst (BC), also known as the popliteal cyst or parameniscal cyst, is a fluid-filled sac that normally develops in the back of the knee, between the semimembranosus and medial head of the gastrocnemius. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy (10 days of treatment) that associates intermittent vacuum therapy (IVT) on the lower limbs in the treatment of the BC, respectively, in its size reduction. Sixty-five patients with knee osteoarthritis using Kellgren-Lawrence criteria and the presence of BC (ultrasonography evaluation), were divided into the Control and Vacuum groups. We collected the following features: sex, age, level of education, occupation, environment, body mass index, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Western Ontario, and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Functional Independence Measurement, the Fall Risk Score, and the Visual Analog Scale were recorded at baseline and after 10 days. Both groups are similar in terms of demographic features. Regarding the clinical functional parameters, the results elicit a statistically significant change in all parameters between admission and discharge, including the echo volume at BC. Physical medicine and rehabilitation increase the autonomy of patients with BC. Clinical-functional improvement begins in the first 10 days of complex rehabilitation treatment; it is statistically significant and is not different between the two groups, which brings an additional argument for the effectiveness of conservative therapy in the treatment of BC. Although IVT has not demonstrated its superiority over classical balneo-physical therapy, additional research, and long-term monitoring are needed to provide additional arguments regarding this aspect.
PubMed: 37892743
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206605 -
BMJ Case Reports Oct 2023
Topics: Humans; Popliteal Cyst; Diagnosis, Differential; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 37793850
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257869 -
Investigative Radiology Apr 2024The aim of this study was to compare the detection rate of and reader confidence in 0.55 T knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with 3 T knee MRI in patients...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to compare the detection rate of and reader confidence in 0.55 T knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with 3 T knee MRI in patients with acute trauma and knee pain.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this prospective study, 0.55 T and 3 T knee MRI of 25 symptomatic patients (11 women; median age, 38 years) with suspected internal derangement of the knee was obtained in 1 setting. On the 0.55 T system, a commercially available deep learning image reconstruction algorithm was used (Deep Resolve Gain and Deep Resolve Sharp; Siemens Healthineers), which was not available on the 3 T system. Two board-certified radiologists reviewed all images independently and graded image quality parameters, noted MRI findings and their respective reporting confidence level for the presence or absence, as well as graded the bone, cartilage, meniscus, ligament, and tendon lesions. Image quality and reader confidence levels were compared ( P < 0.05 = significant), and clinical findings were correlated between 0.55 T and 3 T MRI by calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
RESULTS
Image quality was rated higher at 3 T compared with 0.55 T studies (each P ≤ 0.017). Agreement between 0.55 T and 3 T MRI for the detection and grading of bone marrow edema and fractures, ligament and tendon lesions, high-grade meniscus and cartilage lesions, Baker cysts, and joint effusions was perfect for both readers. Overall identification and grading of cartilage and meniscal lesions showed good agreement between high- and low-field MRI (each ICC > 0.76), with lower agreement for low-grade cartilage (ICC = 0.77) and meniscus lesions (ICC = 0.49). There was no difference in readers' confidence levels for reporting lesions of bone, ligaments, tendons, Baker cysts, and joint effusions between 0.55 T and 3 T (each P > 0.157). Reader reporting confidence was higher for cartilage and meniscal lesions at 3 T (each P < 0.041).
CONCLUSIONS
New-generation 0.55 T knee MRI, with deep learning-aided image reconstruction, allows for reliable detection and grading of joint lesions in symptomatic patients, but it showed limited accuracy and reader confidence for low-grade cartilage and meniscal lesions in comparison with 3 T MRI.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Prospective Studies; Popliteal Cyst; Knee Injuries; Knee Joint; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37747455
DOI: 10.1097/RLI.0000000000001016