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Arthritis Research & Therapy
Published in: Arthritis Research & Therapy 2/2014

Open Access 01-04-2014 | Research article

Popliteal cysts and subgastrocnemius bursitis are associated with knee symptoms and structural abnormalities in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Yuelong Cao, Graeme Jones, Weiyu Han, Benny Antony, Xia Wang, Flavia Cicuttini, Changhai Ding

Published in: Arthritis Research & Therapy | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

Introduction

The role of popliteal cysts and subgastrocnemius bursitis in knee joint homeostasis is uncertain. The aim of this study is to describe cross-sectional associations between popliteal cysts, subgastrocnemius bursitis, knee symptoms and structural abnormalities in older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional sample of 900 randomly-selected subjects (mean age 63 years, 48% female) were studied. Knee pain, stiffness and dysfunction were assessed by self-administered Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. Radiographic knee osteophyte and joint space narrowing (JSN) were recorded. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to assess popliteal cysts, subgastrocnemius bursitis, cartilage defects and bone marrow lesions (BMLs).

Results

Popliteal cysts were present in 11.7% and subgastrocnemius bursitis in 12.7% of subjects. Subgastrocnemius bursitis was more common in those with popliteal cyst (36.2% versus 9.7%, P <0.01). In multivariable analyses, popliteal cysts were significantly associated with increased osteophytes in both medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments while subgastrocnemius bursitis was associated with increased osteophytes and JSN in the medial tibiofemoral compartment. Both were significantly associated with cartilage defects in all compartments, and with BMLs in the medial tibiofemoral compartment. Furthermore, both popliteal cysts and subgastrocnemius bursitis were significantly associated with increased weight-bearing knee pain but these associations became non-significant after adjustment for cartilage defects and BMLs.

Conclusions

Popliteal cysts and subgastrocnemius bursitis are associated with increased symptoms as well as radiographic and MRI-detected joint structural abnormalities. Longitudinal data will help resolve if they are a consequence or a cause of knee joint abnormalities.
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Metadata
Title
Popliteal cysts and subgastrocnemius bursitis are associated with knee symptoms and structural abnormalities in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors
Yuelong Cao
Graeme Jones
Weiyu Han
Benny Antony
Xia Wang
Flavia Cicuttini
Changhai Ding
Publication date
01-04-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Arthritis Research & Therapy / Issue 2/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1478-6362
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/ar4496

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