Ultrasound evaluation of popliteal cysts on osteoarthritis of the knee
Fam, A.G.; Wilson, S.R.; Holmberg, S.
Journal of Rheumatology 9(3): 428-434
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 7120238 Document Number: 196853
Ultrasound (US) examination of the popliteal space is a noninvasive, reliable technique for the assessment of popliteal cysts. In order to determine the prevalence and significance of popliteal cysts in primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, a prospective clinical, radiographic and US study was conducted on 50 patients and 25 controls. Popliteal cysts were demonstrated by US in 29 of 100 (29%) knees or 21 of 50 (42%) patients, 8 of whom (38%) had bilateral cysts. The majority of cysts were small and symptomeless. Cyst rupture and the pseudothrombophlebitis syndrome occurred in only 2 of 29 (7%) knees. The occurrence of cysts correlated with the presence of knee effusion and the radiologic grade of OA. A high incidence of clinically unsuspected popliteal cysts in patients with symptomatic knee OA was indicated. OA may be a more common cause of popliteal cysts than generally recognized.