J Korean Soc Magn Reson Med.  2012 Dec;16(3):217-225. 10.13104/jksmrm.2012.16.3.217.

Determination of the Factors Influencing Rupture of Baker's Cysts in the Knee on Plain Radiographs and MRI

• Ahn SE
• Jin W
• Park SY
• Kim KI
• Park JS
• Ryu KN

• KMID: 2099857
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13104/jksmrm.2012.16.3.217

Abstract

PURPOSE
We retrospectively compared plain radiographic and MR imaging findings of acutely ruptured and unruptured Baker's cysts to determine which factors cause rupture of BCs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The MR findings for 44 Baker's cysts (non-ruptured Baker's cysts in 30 patients and ruptured Baker's cysts in 14 patients) were evaluated. On the MR images, the characteristics of the Baker's cysts, meniscal tears, and the quantity of joint effusions were evaluated. On plain radiographs, the grade of osteoarthritis of the affected knee was evaluated.
RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference with respect to the size of Baker's cysts, meniscal tears, and the grade of osteoarthritis between ruptured and unruptured Baker's cysts. The wall thicknesses, inner signal intensities, inner septations, and the quantity of joint effusions were statistically different between the ruptured and unruptured Baker's cysts.
CONCLUSION
The most significant imaging finding which influences the rupture of a Baker's cyst is the quantity of the joint effusion of the affected knee. In management of the patients with Baker's cysts, the quantity of joint effusions should be kept in mind for preventative or treatment trials involving ruptured Baker's cysts.

Keyword

Knee; Baker cyst; Rupture; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MeSH Terms

Humans
Joints
Knee
Osteoarthritis
Popliteal Cyst
Retrospective Studies
Rupture

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 MRI and histopathologic findings of an unruptured Baker's cyst in a 60-year-old woman. Serial sagittal T2-wighted (a) and serial axial fat-suppressed proton-weighted (b) MR images show homogeneous fluid content and no inner septation in the Baker's cyst. There is no significant pericystic edema or fluid collection in the popliteal fossa. On histopathology (c), the cyst is composed of a dense collagenous, fibrous wall with even thickness. No significant inflammatory reaction and septal fibrosis of pericystic adipose tissue is noted.

• 

  Fig. 2 MRI and histopathologic findings of a ruptured Baker's cyst in a 55-year-old woman. Serial sagittal T2-wighted (a) and serial axial fat-suppressed proton-weighted (b) MR images show inhomogeneous fluid content and multiple septations in the Baker's cyst. Marked pericystic edema and fluid collection are noted around the Baker's cyst and in the posterior aspect of the upper calf. On histopathology (c), the cyst is composed of a dense collagenous, fibrous wall with variable thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration. Marked inflammatory reaction and septal fibrosis (arrows) in pericystic adipose tissue are noted.

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