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Prevalence and Size of Meniscal Cysts, Ganglionic Cysts, Synovial Cysts of the Popliteal Space, Fluid-Filled Bursae, and Other Fluid Collections in Asymptomatic Knees on MR Imaging

¹ Department of Radiology, Orthopedic University Hospital Balgrist, Forchstr. 340, CH-8008 Züurich, Switzerland.
² Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic University Hospital Balgrist, CH-8008 Zürich, Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and determine the size of meniscal cysts, ganglionic cysts, synovial cysts of the popliteal space, fluid-filled bursae, and other fluid collections on MR images of asymptomatic knees.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. MR images of 102 asymptomatic knees were evaluated with regard to the prevalence of meniscal cysts, ganglionic cysts, synovial cysts of the popliteal space, fluid-filled bursae, and other fluid collections. The MR examinations were performed in patients (mean age, 42.8 years; age range, 18–73 years) with clinically suspected meniscal lesions in the contralateral knee. The craniocaudal, anteroposterior, and mediolateral diameters of detectable abnormal fluid collections were measured.

RESULTS. Medial meniscal cysts (mean size [craniocaudal x anteroposterior x mediolateral], 9 x 6 x 13 mm) were found in four asymptomatic knees. Neither lateral meniscal cysts nor ganglionic cysts of the cruciate ligaments were identified. Twenty-six synovial cysts of the popliteal space (Baker's cyst)—consisting of 11 gastrocnemius portions (mean size, 19 x 8 x 10 mm) and 15 semimembranosus portions (mean size, 20 x 7 x 9 mm)—were found in 19 knees. Twenty-four (92%) of these cysts had a maximal diameter of 30 mm or less. Fluid-filled bursae were found in 49 knees. The deep infrapatellar bursa was most commonly involved (42 knees; mean size, 6 x 3 x 5 mm). Fluid-filled anserine bursae (mean size, 27 x 12 x 10 mm) were detected in five knees.

CONCLUSION. Meniscal cysts may be present in asymptomatic knees, at least on the medial side. Synovial cysts of the popliteal space can be found in approximately one fifth of asymptomatic knees. Their maximal diameter is usually smaller than 30 mm.

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