Clinical profile of benign lumps around knee region: A cross sectional study of annual cases in a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Objectives: Various soft tissue lesions affect musculoskeletal tissues around knee and may have their myriad clinical presentations. An observation of type, location and clinical profile as well as the radiological and pathological correlation is essential for proper documentation of these lesions to know their pattern in a geographical region. Methods: Clinical cases with visible swelling or mass around the knee region including distal femur, proximal tibia and patella were collected during the period of one year. Exclusion criteria were cases below fifteen years of age, diffuse non-discrete swelling, unwilling to participate and those lumps with inaccessible sites or suspected primary malignant lesions requiring referral to centre of specialization. Detailed and relevant data like age, sex, laterality, location, clinical as well as associated radiological, hematological and serological features were noted for each case along with aspiration or histo-pathological findings in selective cases. Graphic presentation of the data and its evaluation was done in Microsoft word and excel sheets.Result: A total of 43 cases of various lesions presenting with palpable mass were included. Males outnumbered females in a ratio of 37:6. Mean age of cases was 26 years (range 19 to 38). The popliteal fossa was the commonest site followed by knee joint in 23 and 11 cases each. Most lesion consisted of popliteal and meniscal cysts followed by bursitis, ganglions and exostoses and loose bodies. Less common cases included giant cell tumor and loose body.Conclusion: Cystic lesion originating from knee joint are common lumps in the knee region. Various uncommon lesions may also be encountered and thus require proper clinico-patho-radiological diagnosis for appropriate management.