The prevalence of Baker cyst in relation to the arrangement pattern between the medial head of gastrocnemius tendon and the semimembranosus tendon

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Baker cyst (BC) was related to the specific arrangement of the medial head of gastrocnemius tendon (MHGT) and the semimembranosus tendon (SMT). Patients who underwent knee MRI with "Baker cyst" in PACS from August 2017 to February 2018 were included in this study. Patients who did not have BC in a knee MRI performed during the same period were included in the control group. A total 210 patients were selected for inclusion in this study. For the imaging analysis, the arrangement pattern between MHGT and SMT was classified into three types: type 1, concave; type 2, flat; and type 3, convex. When imaging analysis was performed, the amount of effusion, the presence of osteoarthritis, and major ligament and meniscal tears were also described. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. The frequency of types 1, 2, and 3 was statistically significant depending on the presence or absence of BC (p < 0.001). The frequency of type 3 was the highest in the presence of BC, while that of type 1 was the highest in the absence of BC. BC was more common in type 2 (OR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.27-5.07) and type 3 (OR = 4.09; 95% CI = 1.88-8.89). BC is more likely to occur in patients with SMT having a convex shape for MHGT. • Based on axial image of MRI only, one can predict which patients are morphologically more prone to develop a Baker cyst. • On axial images of MRI, Baker cyst is more likely to occur in patients with semimembranosus tendon having a convex shape for medial head of gastrocnemius tendon. • Baker cyst is not associated with the amount of effusion, OA, or internal derangement.