Abstract
Intra-articular ganglia are rare and mostly incidental findings on magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy. We present 4 cases of intra-articular ganglion cysts
associated with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in 3 patients. The most commonly
occurring symptoms were pain aggravated after stressing activities and limited knee
range of motion. In 1 patient, ganglion cysts appeared in both knees with a time difference
of 1 year. An MRI revealed typical signs of ganglion cysts in the substance of the
ACL. Arthroscopy was performed for further evaluation and treatment. Histologic examination
of the tissue removed revealed the presence of features consistent with ganglion cysts.
Therefore, in the case of chronic knee discomfort with nonspecific clinical signs
and symptoms and without a clear cause, an intra-articular ganglion cyst should be
considered as causing pathology. An MRI is the most sensitive and specific method
for diagnosis. However, the relatively slow progression of symptoms may delay the
patient’s decision to seek medical attention. Delayed diagnosis makes arthroscopic
total resection of the ganglion technically demanding or not possible at all, and
extensive debridement of the ACL may be required.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 29, 2006
Footnotes
Cite this article as: Andrikoula SI, Vasiliadis HS, Tokis AV, Kosta P, Batistatou A, Georgoulis A. Intra-articular ganglia of the knee joint associated with the anterior cruciate ligament: A report of 4 cases in 3 patients. Arthroscopy 2007;23:800.e1-800.e6 [doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2006.05.032].
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
