Case report ganglion cysts of the bilateral cruciate ligaments

Ganglion Cyst Resection of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament using the Posterior Trans-Septal Approach: A Report of 2 Cases

CASE

We present 2 patients each with an intra-articular ganglion cyst arising at the femoral attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament that was successfully resected using the posterior trans-septal portal approach. At the final follow-up, the patients had no recurrence of symptoms and no recurrence of the ganglion cyst on magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons should consider the trans-septal portal approach when they cannot visually confirm the intra-articular ganglion cyst by the arthroscopic anterior approach. The trans-septal portal approach enabled complete visualization of the ganglion cyst located in the posterior compartment of the knee.

A Ganglion Cyst on the Posterior Cruciate Ligament

This case report describes a 29-year-old medical student, a junior resident in orthopaedic surgery who reported intermittent right knee pain due to an increase in mileage throughout his training. The posterior cruciate ligament was diagnosed with a ganglion cyst using diagnostic imaging. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical and diagnostic aspects of a ganglion cyst found on the posterior cruciate ligament and to raise awareness among doctors of this uncommon condition and its diagnosis.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction tunnel size: causes of tunnel enlargement and implications for single versus two-stage revision reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions have increased over the past 25 years. The increased incidence of ACL reconstructions has translated into a larger number of graft failures and revision ACL procedures. It is important to understand the causes of graft failure when evaluating for a revision ACL reconstruction and to appreciate changes in tunnel anatomy over time prior to planning revision surgery. In this manuscript, tunnel size for ACL reconstruction and implications for single-stage versus two-stage revision ACL reconstruction will be discussed, as well as causes of tunnel enlargement, including mechanical and biological factors.

Simultaneous bilateral ganglion cysts of the anterior cruciate ligaments

Intra-articular ganglion cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are rare, and bilateral ganglion cysts are even rarer. These cysts may cause intermittent or chronic nonspecific knee discomfort. Although three cases of bilateral ganglion cysts have been reported in the literature, the knees were not simultaneously affected in those cases. Herein, we report the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented with simultaneous bilateral ganglion cysts of the ACL that were symptomatic. She was successfully treated with arthroscopic resection and debridement. We also present a brief review of the literature, highlighting the aetiology, diagnosis and management of ganglion cysts of the ACL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of simultaneous bilateral intra-articular ganglion cysts of the ACL.

An Intra-tendonous ganglion cyst causing impingement between the anterior cruciate ligament and anterior root of the medial meniscus: a case report

BACKGROUND

There are several reports of symptomatic ganglion cysts near the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral and medial meniscus, but symptomatic ganglia arising from the anterior horn of the medial meniscus to the ACL have not been reported. Here we report the arthroscopic resection of a ganglion cyst arising from the anterior horn of the medial meniscus with a meniscal tear to the ACL.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 43-year-old female presented with a 10-year history of continuous aching pain in the right knee, but without any history of trauma. Clinical examination revealed right-sided knee pain in the medial joint line, exacerbated by end range flexion and extension, a -10°-100° active range of movement, and a -5°-110° passive range of movement。McMurray's, patellar compression, and compression rotation tests were positive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopic examination revealed a cyst related to the ACL and medial meniscus. Histological examination confirmed the cyst to be a ganglion cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a new type of ganglion cyst, this is the first reported case of an ganglion cyst impinged between the ACL and the medial meniscus. It is hoped that this study will provide a better understanding of the condition and lead to better diagnosis and treatment.

Symptomatic Posterior Cruciate Ganglion Cyst Causing Impingement between Posterior Root of the Medial Meniscus and Anterior to the Posterior Cruciate Ligament

There are several reports of symptomatic ganglion cysts near the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), but no reports of a symptomatic ganglion originating from the anterior aspect of the PCL in the deep recess between the posterior root of the medial meniscus and the PCL, bulging into the posteromedial joint space. In this report, we present the clinical features of a patient with a symptomatic ganglion cyst treated successfully by arthroscopic excision.

Falling up the stairs: the equivalent of 'bashing it with a bible' for an ACL ganglion cyst of the knee

Intra-articular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cysts are rare, the pathogenesis remains unknown, with trauma often implicated. Often asymptomatic, incidental MRI findings, 11% produce symptoms such as pain, locking or instability. Treatment of intra-articular ganglia differs from the traditional 'bash it with a bible' mantra for ganglia elsewhere with surgical debridement generally indicated for symptomatic cases. This case report describes a 43-year-old male car mechanic who presented with a symptomatic ACL cyst diagnosed on MRI. While waiting for surgery the patient fell up his stairs at home, causing forced hyperflexion of his knee. After an initial sharp pain, within 24 h the patient experienced complete resolution of symptoms. Postfall MRI showed no evidence of the initial lesion, leading to our conclusion that for this patient, a fall up the stairs was the equivalent of 'bashing it with a bible' for an ACL ganglion cyst of the knee.

Diagnosis and treatment of ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligaments

OBJECTIVE

To explore the diagnosis and treatment of ganglion cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) of the knees.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of clinical data of patients with ganglion cysts of ACL and PCL as confirmed by arthroscopy and pathology.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up at the clinic in a mean period of 2 years, and their symptoms including arthralgia, swelling and interlocking of the affected knees disappeared. Normal ranges of joint motion were restored successfully.

CONCLUSION

Ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligaments can easily be detected by MRI and should be arthroscopically resected, not only treated by ultrasound but also by CT-guided paracentesis. Complete resection of the cyst and cyst walls is recommended to avoid recurrence. Positive diagnosis of this disease can be improved by clinical manifestations and specific MRI findings. Trauma and chronic strain were the primary etiological factors responsible for ganglion cysts that were more common in ACL than PCL.

Ganglion Cyst of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

We present the case of a 55-year-old woman with a presumed ganglion cyst associated with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), demonstrated by MRI. The ACL is an uncommon location for ganglion cysts to occur.

Ganglion cysts of the posterior cruciate ligament

Ganglion cysts of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are uncommon lesions found incidentally on MRI and arthroscopy. Twenty patients (11 males and nine females) with the mean age of 35 years presenting with a variety of knee signs and symptoms were found to have PCL cysts on MRI. Out of these, thirteen patients (65%) had isolated symptomatic PCL cysts and seven patients had associated chondral and meniscal lesions. Eight out of the 20 patients (40%) gave a history of antecedent trauma. On arthroscopy, the majority of the cysts were situated at the midsubstance of the ligament with inter-cruciate distension and no involvement of the substance of the ligament. The content of the cysts varied with the majority having yellowish viscous fluid and three containing serous and bloody fluid. All cysts were successfully treated arthroscopically through standard anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral portals with no signs of recurrence on MRI at a mean followup of 24 months. PCL cysts may clinically mimic meniscal or chondral lesions and preoperatively, MRI is essential for the diagnosis of ganglion cysts arising from the PCL. Ganglion cysts of the PCL can be successfully treated arthroscopically using standard portals.

Intra-articular ganglia of the knee joint associated with the anterior cruciate ligament: a report of 4 cases in 3 patients

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.

Large extrasynovial intracapsular ganglia of the knee: a report of 3 cases

PURPOSE

Intra-articular ganglia of the knee are rare and usually incidental findings of little clinical significance. Nevertheless some are large, symptomatic, and require treatment. We report on 3 patients with an intra-articular knee ganglion and an extrasynovial extension that was contained within the joint capsule. This seems to be a rare condition; a review of the English-language literature revealed no reports of similar cases.

TYPE OF STUDY

Case series.

METHODS

Three patients, 1 man and 2 women aged 27 to 40 years, presented with an almost identical history of anterior knee pain that had been treated conservatively for a long time as chondromalacia patellae. The symptoms, which were ill-defined, appeared to be deteriorating until a localized swelling appeared on the lateral side of the patella tendon in each case. On examination, a lateral meniscal cyst associated with an underlying meniscal tear was suspected. However, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a ganglion arising from the substance of the anterior cruciate ligament (case 1) and from the area of the tibial insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament (cases 2 and 3). All 3 ganglia extended anteriorly and then laterally over and in front of the lateral meniscus. The ganglia were approached through an anterior midline incision and lateral parapatellar arthrotomy, which allowed direct and easy access for complete excision. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a ganglion in all 3 cases.

RESULTS

The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients with no signs of recurrence at 1 year (case 1), 2 years (case 2), and 3 years (case 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the described condition seems very rare, we believe that it should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions about the knee joint.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series, no, or historical control group.

Ganglion cyst of the anterior cruciate ligament: a case report

A ganglion is a cystic swelling that usually arises close to tendons or joints. Its occurrence inside a joint is rare, and its diagnosis is usually incidental during magnetic resonance imaging or arthroscopy. It may be painful or asymptomatic. Some patients may have a trauma history. Ganglia may mimic intra-articular lesions like tears of the anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus. Magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice for diagnosis. Ganglia commonly arise from the anterior cruciate ligament, but can also arise from other structures such as the posterior cruciate ligament or meniscus. Ganglia are typically treated by arthroscopic excision and debridement. We report a case of ganglion cyst of the anterior cruciate ligament in a 16-year-old man.

Ganglion cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament: a series of 15 cases

PURPOSE

To increase awareness of the presence of ganglion cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament and to consider this diagnosis in any knee that has lost range of motion (ROM) in the absence of osteoarthritis.

TYPE OF STUDY

Case series.

METHODS

We present a series of 15 cases recorded over a period of 5 years illustrating the clinical presentation and additional pathology seen at arthroscopy. International Knee Documentation Committee scores were calculated at the recent follow-up to establish outcome of the surgery.

RESULTS

The cysts occurred predominantly in men with the most common presenting complaint being decreased ROM and pain. Overall, results were excellent with no recurrence of symptoms at a mean 36-month follow-up, but outcome does appear to be associated with other pathology present. ROM was improved with arthroscopic excision of the cyst in all cases that were impaired.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, ganglion cysts related to the cruciate ligaments of the knee should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a painful knee especially when associated with a decreased ROM and no evidence of osteoarthritis on radiographs. Other pathology can often be present, which may affect the overall outcome, but arthroscopic debridement of the ganglion cyst should be considered the treatment of choice in order to reliably restore active ROM.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Case Series.

Intra-articular ganglia arising from the posterior joint capsule of the knee

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective method to evaluate cystic lesions of the knee. Intra-articular ganglia of the knee joint was considered to be rare before the advent of MRI. However, because an MRI is often used to diagnose knee pathology, the reported prevalence of intra-articular ganglia has increased. We describe two cases of an intra-articular ganglion arising from the posterior joint capsule. Both cysts appeared to be arising from the posterior cruciate ligament by both MRI as well as arthroscopy through a lateral infrapatellar portal. However, arthroscopy through a posteromedial portal revealed the cysts to originate from the posterior joint capsule. It suggests that some of the ganglion arising from the posterior cruciate ligament reported in the literature might actually be from the posterior joint capsule. To prevent recurrence of a ganglion cyst, when preoperative MRI shows the mass to be located posterior to the cruciate ligaments, we recommend that the relationship of the ganglion cyst to the posterior joint capsule be evaluated at arthroscopy through the posteromedial or posterolateral portal.

Recurrent pretibial ganglion cyst formation over 5 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Although ganglion cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament have been described in the literature, they are a relatively rare phenomenon. Cyst formation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is even less frequent, with only a few reported cases. The proposed etiology of these cysts has been attributed to a number of causes, including the use of bioabsorbable screws, Gore-Tex (W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) grafts, extra-articular fluid extravasation secondary to direct tibial tunnel communication, allografts with or without ethylene oxide sterilization, and the use of nonabsorbable suture. We report an unusual case of a recurrent pretibial ganglion cyst that initially formed more than 5 years after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and recurred 2 years after resection of the mass. We believe the initial surgical resection was unsuccessful probably because the foreign body irritant was not identified. Only after resection of the entire stalk of the cyst and removal of all of the inciting suture material that was found near the entrance of the tibial tunnel were we able to definitively eradicate the ganglion cyst.

An intraligamentous ganglion cyst of the anterior cruciate ligament after a traumatic event

An unusual case of intraligamentous ganglion cyst of the anterior cruciate ligament after a traumatic event in a 12-year-old boy is presented. Magnetic resonance imaging was helpful in delineating the lesion. An arthroscopic aspiration of the cyst material resulted in resolution of symptoms to preserve satisfactory knee function. The patient remains asymptomatic 25 months after surgery.

Ganglion cysts of the posterior cruciate ligament

Ganglion cysts arising from the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) of the knee are rare. Thirteen cases have been reported with detailed description in the English literature. In this study, 3 cases of ganglion cyst arising from the PCL of the knee are described and comparatively reviewed with the literature. This case report draws attention to clinical symptoms and signs. We presume that rather than mechanical block, it is changes in the shape and dimension of the ganglion cyst with knee motion and posture that stimulate nerve endings in the synovial membrane, causing the development of knee pain and the limitation of knee motion.

Intra-articular ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligaments: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

A ganglion can arise as a cystic lesion from a tendon sheath or a joint capsule and contain a glassy, clear, and jelly-like fluid. They can occur within muscles, menisci, and tendons. Intra-articular ganglion cysts of the knee joint are rare. We report on three ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligaments: Two were intercruciate, and one was located around the posterior cruciate ligament.

METHODS

The clinical diagnosis was established using magnetic resonance imaging. All patients were treated successfully using arthroscopic debridement by basket punch and shaver. Subsequent histological examination confirmed the diagnosis.

RESULTS

All three patients were asymptomatic at the postoperative follow-up of 16-36 months.

CONCLUSION

A review of the literature reveals a controversial discussion about the clinical significance as well as the etiology of ganglion cysts arising from the cruciate ligaments. These case reports show that an intra-articular ganglion cyst of the cruciate ligaments is difficult to diagnose. A cyst does not necessarily have to be associated with specific clinical symptoms or a previous trauma. Preoperatively, MRI is essential when diagnosing ganglion cysts of the knee joint. An intra-articular ganglion cyst of the knee joint can be successfully treated by arthroscopy.