Synovial hemangiohamartomas of the knee joint

Hemangioma or vascular malformation of the synovium is rare and presents a difficult problem in diagnosis and treatment. A long history of joint pain and recurrent non-traumatic hemarthrosis usually draws attention to the hemangioma of the knee joint. The lesion can be seen in two different formations; the synovial hemangioma or the arteriovenous malformation named as hemangiohamartomas, both of which involve the synovium and cause non-traumatic episodes of hemarthrosis. MRI scanning together with arthroscopy is a diagnostic tool to demonstrate the extent and the nature of the lesion. We treated the three patients at different ages. All patients underwent standard radiographic examination, CT scans, MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy. After frozen section taken via arthroscopically, the lesions were excised by arthrotomy. The mean follow-up was 38 months (31–45) and all patients are asymptomatic postoperatively. Three additional cases and a review of the literature are presented because of the rarity of the lesion.     

Double synovial cyst of the proximal tibiofibular joint confirmed by MRI as a cause of the peroneal tunnel syndrome

The aim of this case report is to present an unusual double synovial cyst that arose from the proximal tibiofibular joint compressing the peroneal nerve in the peroneal tunnel and was unrecognized at the beginning. According to the review of literature back to 1891, only 62 cases of cysts originating from the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) have been described. We report a case of a 32 year old male patient who was admitted to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery because of a classic peroneal tunnel syndrome of the left leg. On the lateral side of the proximal third of his left leg a tumefaction of 12 x 2.5 cm was visible. The sonography showed a characteristic image of the para-articular synovial cyst of the left knee. A surgical extirpation of the synovial cyst and decompression of the peroneal nerve in the peroneal tunnel were performed. PHD confirmed a classic synovial cyst. Postoperatively, the symptoms of the peroneal nerve compression disappeared. Three years after the first surgical intervention the patient was readmitted to the Department because of quite similar problems, only the neurological symptoms were less intensive than during the first admittance. This time the performed MR imaging showed a double synovial cyst originating from the proximal tibiofibular joint. The surgical treatment consisted of a total extirpation of both cysts including the narrow stalks of communication with the PTFJ. The joint was opened and a synovectomy was done using an electrocauter and a sharp curette. Regular check-ups were done every 6 months and twice during the control period of 4 years, as was the MR imaging control. MRI findings 4 years after the second surgical intervention were normal. Clinical findings after 7 years were normal and we are sure that the recidivation of the synovial cyst excluded. The MRI diagnostics was crucial for an adequate surgical treatment and the relief of the peroneal tunnel syndrome symptoms.     

Lipoma arborescens occurring in both knees at different times: a case report

Lipoma arborescens is a rare intraarticular lesion, mainly affecting the knee. A fourteen-year-old girl presented with a slow-growing painless mass in the right knee, of a six-year history. There were no limitations in the movements of the knee. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple lesions showing villous lipomatous proliferation of the synovium in the supra- and retropatellar regions and effusion in the knee joint. The mass was excised with arthrotomy and synovectomy and a histopathologic diagnosis of lipoma arborescens was made. Two years postoperatively, and when the right knee was completely asymptomatic, she developed a similar mass in the suprapatellar region of the left knee. An MRI scan showed a mass lesion in the supra- and retropatellar regions, effusion in the knee joint, and a synovial cyst in the popliteal fossa. Again, arthrotomy and synovectomy were performed and the histopathologic diagnosis was lipoma arborescens. This case differs from simultaneously involved knees in that lipoma arborescens in the contralateral knee developed two years after the initial operation.     

Treatment option in a SLAP-related ganglion cyst resulting in suprascapular nerve entrapment

Introduction: Our report shows a rare case of suprascapular nerve palsy due to a SLAP-related ganglion cyst resulting in isolated weakness of the infraspinatus muscle. Case report: We report on a 31-year old volleyball player with severe shoulder pain. A ganglion cyst was excised in an open procedure and was completely resolved in a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But the patient again had pain and disability 7 months after this procedure. A renewed MRI scan showed a cystic mass in the spinoglenoid notch. An electromyography revealed an isolated lesion of the suprascapular nerve. The patient was treated by shoulder arthroscopy with refixation of a type-II-SLAP-lesion and drainage of the cyst formation. At latest follow-up 29 months after surgery, the patient’s pain and shoulder function improved with a constant score of 94 points. A MRI scan documented complete cyst resolution. Conclusions: Treatment options for ganglion cysts at the spinoglenoid notch are various and can be handled in conservative and operative ways. We believe that the arthroscopic concept with the management of a SLAP lesion as the cause of cyst formation, and the drainage of the ganglion is an effective way with low surgical morbidity that shows good postoperative results.     

关节镜诊治膝关节十字韧带区囊肿7例报道

目的回顾性总结并探讨7例膝关节十字韧带区囊肿病例的临床特点及诊治方法。方法2006年5月至2008年8月,共收治膝关节十字韧带区囊肿患者7例,男5例,女2例;年龄17岁～46岁,平均34岁;左膝4例,右膝3例。所有患者均通过MR检查确诊,并行关节镜检查及治疗。手术前、后采用Lysholm评分和手术后疗效评定的Glasgow评定法对关节镜手术治疗膝关节十字韧带区囊肿的结果进行评价。结果全部获得随访,随访时间9～26个月,平均13.6个月。7例患者均无复发,患者关节活动范围正常,无屈膝疼痛,均达到完全治愈。手术前Lysholm评分为（78.5±7.1）分,手术后3个月提高至（92±2.5）分（P〈0.01）。7例患者Glasgow疗效评定均为优。结论膝关节十字韧带区囊肿的典型特点：膝关节屈伸运动到某一固定角度突发膝关节疼痛。MR检查和关节镜检查对于诊断膝关节十字韧带区囊肿最具特异性。关节镜检查可明确诊断,并可同时镜下行手术切除治疗,首选治疗方式为关节镜下膝关节十字韧带区囊肿切除。     

Misdiagnosis of an atypical cyclops lesion 4 years after single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Development of a cyclops lesion is a well described complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It commonly results in gradual extension loss during the early postoperative course, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the soft tissue nodule attached to the ACL graft is needed. Cyclops lesions are easy to diagnose based on the symptoms and MRI findings. Previous study showed that 78.6% of cyclops lesions had extension loss within 6 weeks postoperatively, and the diagnosis of 92.8% cases of cyclops lesions was established within 6 months.This article describes a case of misdiagnosis of a cyclops lesion 4 years after ACL reconstruction as a meniscal lesion combined with a meniscal cyst. The patient was asymptomatic for 4 years and then presented with a locked left knee and pain at the inferior pole of the patella during an attempt to gently extend the knee. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lateral meniscal cyst. The knee locking was released suddenly 2 days preoperatively. The authors had attributed the missed diagnosis to an atypical history and symptoms and an associated meniscal cyst.The purpose of this article is to help prevent misdiagnosis of atypical cyclops lesions. Cyclops lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with gradual or sudden loss of extension after ACL reconstruction, regardless of how much time has passed postoperatively.     

诊断不明膝关节交锁症的病因探讨和疗效观察

目的　探讨诊断不明膝关节交锁症的病因、症状特点 ,经关节镜治疗后的临床疗效。　方法　对 4 7例膝关节不明原因交锁的病例均施行关节镜检查。镜下发现的病变 :34例滑膜疾病、4例Hof fa病、9例髌股关节排列异常 ,滑膜疾病镜下刨削切除滑膜皱襞、增生肥厚的滑膜团块及滑膜瘤样病变 ,Hoffa病镜下部分切除髌下脂肪垫 ,髌骨半脱位行髌骨外侧支持带松解、胫骨结节前内侧移位。　结果　平均随访 1年 ,全部病例术后交锁症状消失 ,4 6例膝关节疼痛完全消失或明显缓解 ,术前存在膝关节功能障碍的大多数病例术后恢复或接近正常。　结论　诊断不明膝关节交锁症的原因较多 ,其主要病因是滑膜疾病、Haffa病、髌股关节排列异常。关节镜术是一个重要的诊断和治疗手段 ,并可获得满意的临床效果。     

Repeat arthroscopy

Repeat arthroscopy was done in 82 patients from 1984-1988 (2.5%) 18 months after the first arthroscopy. Eighteen of the repeat arthroscopies were planned operations, 35 were necessary due to continuous complaints, and 20 were done because of new complaints. Nine were done after a new accident. In 4 cases, at repeat arthroscopy a meniscus remmant was excised that had been insufficiently treated at the first operation. In four cases, a new meniscal lesion had occurred. An extension lag after ACL reconstruction was another reason for repeat arthroscopy. In those cases sometimes a synovial tumor in the intercondylar notch was excised. In these repeat arthroscopies, 84% were done by the two most experienced arthroscopists in the department.     

Intraarticular fibroma of tendon sheath

A 17-year-old male presented to us following a hyperflexion injury to his right knee sustained while playing soccer. Immediately after the traumatic event, he developed a large, tense knee effusion. Physical examination revealed limited range of motion. MRI revealed a lobulated mass in the posteromedial aspect of the knee joint. The mass was excised and sections submitted to pathology. A pathologic, microscopic, and immunohistochemical characteristics revealed the final diagnosis of fibroma of tendon sheath in the knee. At 12 months followup, the patient reported no subjective symptoms, such as pain or limitation of athletic activities and has full range of motion. Additionally, he has demonstrated no signs of recurrence. We report a case of fibroma of the tendon sheath originating from the synovial membrane of the joint capsule of the knee.     

Ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligaments: a series of 31 cases and review of the literature

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: A case series for ganglion cyst of the cruciate ligament with MRI findings, clinical presentation, and management options along with review of literature is presented. METHODS: Of 8663 consecutive patients referred for knee MR imaging, 31 were diagnosed with ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligaments, including 21 men and 10 women of ages 12 to 73 years (mean: 37). A review of charts revealed that knee pain was the chief complaint in all cases. Arthroscopic debridement of ganglion cyst was performed in 11 patients. RESULTS: MRI proved to be a valuable tool in diagnosing and deciding management of these cases. All 11 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment were symptom-free on a minimum follow-of one year. CONCLUSION: Cyst formation associated with cruciate ligament of the knee is an infrequent cause of knee pain. MR imaging was important in confirming the cyst lesions and provided useful information prior to arthroscopy. Arthroscopic debridement of ganglion cyst produced excellent outcome without recurrence. This study describes the pertinent MRI and intraoperative findings of ganglion cyst.     

A case of excision of peri-articular cyst and reattachment of meniscotibial ligament with suture anchor

The authors report a case of peri-articular cyst around the knee joint owing to insufficient meniscotibial ligament. After excision, the defective peripheries of the meniscus and capsule were securely re-attached to the margin of the tibial plateau using suture anchors. A 37-year-old man presented with right knee pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a detached meniscotibial ligament (coronary ligament) on the anteromedial side of the knee joint and an elevated deep medial collateral ligament with cystic fluid collection. The cyst was excised by meticulous dissection to expose the free peripheral edge of the meniscus and the margin of the tibial plateau. Two suture anchors were placed immediately beneath the joint line under the subchondral bone. The attachment of the meniscus to the tibial plateau was rendered secure by arthroscopy. At 9 months postoperatively, the patients had no complaints related to the involved knee.     

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the occipital bone

A 13 years boy presented with a painless hard and fixed swelling in occipital region for the last three months. Plain X-ray, CT scan and MRI showed an expansile multi loculated cystic lesion in occipital bone. Histopathological examination revealed it to be an aneurysmal bone cyst. Treatment of choice is surgery. However, radiotherapy may be helpful in incompletely excised lesions.     

Pigmented villonodular synovitis in children

Summary Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVS) is a rare disease of the synovial layer in joints, seen particularly in children. Early diagnosis allows treatment with resection of the affected synovial tissue, avoiding secondary osteoarthritic lesions of the normally unaffected joint structures. In this article, symptoms, clinical findings, and the diagnosis procedure are reported in a rare case of diffuse PVS in an 11-year-old girl. Diagnostic procedures are of differing value, and it seems that the most important factor is suspicion of this disease even in children. Since preoperative verification of the histological diagnosis is impossible, early invasive investigation such as arthroscopy are recommended to confirm the histological character of the lesion. Arthrotomy or arthroscopy followed by total synovectomy is recommended as the surgical treatment of first choice. Our patient was treated by total synovectomy via an arthrotomy of the affected knee joint after histological diagnosis has been confirmed by arthroscopic excision and histological analysis. Follow-up examinations 4 and 6 months postoperatively revealed no signs of recurrence.     

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.     

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.     

关节镜下治疗腘窝囊肿的疗效

目的 探讨关节镜下切除腘窝囊肿的手术方法与疗效.方法 自2013年1月至2014年2月我科采用关节镜下切除25例腘窝囊肿,腘窝囊肿均为单膝,左膝13例、右膝12例.其中,男10例,女15例,年龄为40~65岁.术前常规体检、患膝X线和MRI检查,观察膝关节骨与软组织的病变.膝关节镜手术常规采用前内、前外侧入路,术中常规探查并清理膝关节内病变.评价病人并发症、疼痛、复发情况,采用Lysholm膝关节评分、美国膝关节协会评分(knee society score,KSS)、美国特种外科医院(Hospi-tal for Special Surgery,HSS)评分比较病人术前术后的情况.结果 25例病人均获得随访,随访时间为6~12个月,平均为(9.0±1.9)个月.复查MRI发现1例类风湿性膝关节炎病人腘窝囊肿复发,但无明显临床症状.术前Lysholm膝关节评分为(48.76±12.07)分,术后术后末次随访为(81.72±7.57)分;术前KSS为(52.32±11.16)分,术后末次随访为(85.84±6.85)分;术前HSS评分为(55.62±10.76)分,术后末次随访为(88.64±6.24)分.3个指标术后与术前比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05).结论 关节镜下打开内侧关节囊与腘窝囊肿之间的"阀门"并切除囊壁,可以达到治疗腘窝囊肿的目的.本研究手术方法简单有效、安全性高,并可同时处理腘窝囊肿的诱发因素,有效地降低囊肿的复发率.     

Peeled off water chestnut in the knee

Fibroma of tendon sheaths (FTS) is an uncommon soft tissue tumour which arises from the synovial sheath of tendons. We report a histologically proven case with intrarticular ‘fibroma of tendon sheath’ originating from the joint capsule of the knee, an even rarer entity, in a middle-aged female presenting with knee pain, swelling with limited range of motion. MRI and arthroscopy studies revealed an intra-articular mass originating from the synovial membrane with lobulated contours. Open excision was performed because of the large size of the mass, making it inaccessible arthroscopically. The patient is symptom free since the surgery done 15 months back.     

MRI preferable to diagnostic arthroscopy in knee joint injuries a double-blind comparison of 47 patients

We compared the findings of low-field MRI of the knee with those of subsequent arthroscopy. in a double-blind set-up, 47 patients with knee joint injuries were enrolled. Two radiologists independently interpreted the MRI examinations and consensus was obtained in case of discrepancy. Arthroscopy was performed without knowledge of the MRI findings.

The accuracy rates of MRI for evaluating the medial meniscus, lateral meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament were 77%, 91% and 96%, respectively, when arthroscopy was considered the “golden standard”. When MRI was considered the standard, the figures for arthroscopy were 74%, 91% and 96%. MRI found the indication for treatment in 18 of 21 patients who were treated at the arthroscopy. in 17 patients, neither MRI nor arthroscopy detected any lesion. in the remaining 9 patients, MRI demonstrated a lesion, but no lesion was found at the subsequent arthroscopy.

Our conclusion is that low-field MRI can be used as a first-line diagnostic examination in patients with suspected meniscus or cruciate ligament injuries and thus a substantial number of negative diagnostic arthroscopies can be avoided.     

膝关节镜术后再次手术的原因

目的探讨膝关节镜术后再次手术的原因。方法对25例膝关节镜术后再次手术者行膝关节镜术16例,开放性滑膜切除术7例,全膝关节置换术2例。分析其再手术原因。结果软骨剥脱、滑膜病变残留或滑膜炎复发、漏诊半月板或交叉韧带损伤以及关节游离体是再手术中见到的主要病变。随访6个月-2年,16例膝关节镜术后机械性交锁症状均消失,7例行滑膜切除、2例人工全膝关节置换术者术后肿胀疼痛均消失。结论误漏诊、术前查体不细、适应证选择及手术处理不当是膝关节镜术后再次手术的主要原因。提高术前诊断水平、术中关节镜操作技术是减少再手术的关键。     

Isolated tuberculosis of the popliteal cyst

We encountered a case of tuberculosis of a popliteal cyst in a 76-year-old man. He visited our department for treatment of the left knee pain which had not responded to treatment over the previous ten months. At first examination, local rubor, swelling and tenderness on a popliteal cyst were noted. Therefore, curettage of the lesion, including resection of the cyst, was performed. Six weeks later, an abscess had formed in the subcutaneous area over the lateral aspect of the knee, which was cleaned out. The abscess recurred in the same area four months later. At the third operation, curettage of the abscess together with a knee joint synovectomy was performed. Upon pathologic examination, a tuberculous lesion of the popliteal cyst and skin were recognised. However, no tuberculous lesion was detected in the synovia of the knee joint. It is generally agreed that it is possible for a popliteal cyst to be infected from synovial tuberculosis of the knee joint. However, in our case, based on the histopathological and clinical observations, the primary tuberculous lesion appeared to have been in the popliteal cyst, which is very rare indeed. Recent developments in preventative medicine and chemotherapy have markedly reduced the incidence of tuberculous arthritis. However tuberculous arthritis is still an important disease in the differential diagnostic of persistent monoarthritis of the knee. Approximately half of the popliteal cyst communicate with the knee joint. However, it is not frequent for tuberculosis to propagate from the knee joint into the popliteal cyst.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)