Symptomatic ganglion cyst within the substance of the anterior cruciate ligament

Many previous investigators have reported the findings of ganglion cysts on the surface of the anterior cruciate ligament. The cysts reported in the literature were either symptomatic or only of incidental finding. So far, however, there has not yet been a report of a ganglion cyst within the substance of the anterior cruciate ligament. This is the first report of a ganglion cyst within the substance of the anterior cruciate ligament, which caused intermittent swelling and pain in the right knee of a 13-year-old girl without any history of trauma. The cyst was treated successfully with an arthroscopie debridement and arthroscopially guided needle aspiration.     

Ganglion cyst of the cruciate ligament with atlantoaxial subluxation

Background

Ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament are rare and sometimes asymptomatic. The authors present three cases of ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament with atlantoaxial subluxation, which has rarely been reported previously.

Methods

Generally, ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament are reported as case reports. Several theories regarding the process of cyst formation and the development of treatment options have been described. However, trans-oral decompression with total removal of the cyst may be one of the options for treatment of this kind of disease.

Results

A retrospective review of three patients, two female and one male patient, with a mean age of 68 years was conducted. The operation performed was a trans-oral decompression with cyst removal for all patients. Clinical outcomes were evaluated after the operation. All patients underwent trans-oral decompression with total removal of the cyst, followed by posterior fusion and pathologic examination of the cyst, revealing myxoid stroma with an absence of synovial linings.

Conclusion

The ganglion cysts and synovial cysts of the cruciate ligament are two different diseases with different presentation, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and pathologic findings.     

Ganglion cysts associated with cruciate ligaments of the knee: a possible cause of recurrent knee pain

Intraarticular ganglia of the knee are uncommon; however, these ganglion cysts may produce knee discomfort without a clear etiology. We present the cases of 10 patients with ganglion cysts arising from cruciate ligaments of the knee joint who underwent arthroscopic excision after MR examination. The MR findings, clinical features and arthroscopic findings were evaluated comparatively. Diagnoses were confirmed by means of a histological study after arthroscopic excision. The cysts were fluid-filled, with low T1-weighted signal intensity and high T2-weighted signal intensity. Except for two patients with recent accidents, the remaining eight presented chronic pain without any history of trauma. Pain was the most frequent clinical sign. It was associated with knee extension in 3 cases and with flexion in 3 cases. In 7 cases, cysts were exclusively associated with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Only in one case was a cyst associated with an ACL rupture. Four patients presented meniscal lesions. All ganglia appeared solitary in each knee. Postarthroscopy evolution was painless in 8 patients. Histologic diagnoses corresponded to ganglion cysts. The tissues from the patient with the ACL rupture presented a fibrous reaction with myxoid degeneration forming intraligamentary ganglion cysts.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Spinal synovial cyst (ganglion). Review and report of a case presenting as a retropharyngeal mass

A synovial cyst (ganglion) of the anterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine, which presented as a retropharyngeal mass, is reported. Synovial cysts occur at various spinal sites and should always be included in the differential diagnosis of intraspinal extradural and paraspinal cysts.     

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.     

The accuracy of double-contrast arthrographic evaluation of the anterior cruciate ligament. A retrospective review of one hundred and sixty-three knees with surgical confirmation

In a retrospective review of 163 knees, the double-contrast arthrogram proved to be an accurate method of evaluating the anterior cruciate ligament. The status of the ligament was examined arthrographically with two stress lateral projections: a horizontal cross-table radiograph and a fluoroscopic spot radiograph. The condition of the ligament was interpreted as being normal, lax but intact, torn with intact synovial tissue, or torn or absent. The status of the ligament was subsequently determined at either arthrotomy or arthroscopy by inspection, palpation, and judgment of the degree of tension under stress. The arthrographic diagnosis was found to be 91.4 per cent accurate within the individual subclassifications and 95 per cent accurate in confirming the ligament to be either intact or abnormal. Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament frequently occurs in association with meniscal tears. In our series, 138 of the 163 knees had either a meniscal or a cruciate lesion, or both. Of these, forty-one (30 per cent) had a meniscal lesion, thirty-four (25 per cent) had a cruciate lesion, and sixty-three (45 per cent) had both. We have found the double-contrast arthrogram to be an accurate method of determining the condition of both the anterior cruciate ligament and the menisci in a single outpatient examination.     

An Unusual Meniscal Ganglion Cyst That Triggered Recurrent Hemarthrosis of the Knee

A 58-year-old woman suffered spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis of the knee. In the clinical course, pigmented villonodular synovitis was mostly suspected, but in arthroscopic surgery the lateral meniscus appeared to be upturned and stuck into the lateral pouch with the meniscal ganglion cyst. It was suggested that meniscal tear with meniscal ganglion cyst was related with recurrent hemarthrosis. Generally, both the meniscal ganglion cysts and spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis are highly rare conditions. In this case, we speculated that a negligible power could induce the meniscal tear with recurrent hemarthrosis in the particular situation in which the meniscal ganglion cyst existed. In other words, the meniscal ganglion cyst might basically and physically relate with hemorrhagic condition. Arthroscopically, the meniscal ganglion cyst was removed together with the anterior segment of the lateral meniscus. Recurrent hemarthrosis was treated successfully by resection of the meniscus.     

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.     

膝关节交叉韧带囊肿的关节镜治疗

目的 探讨关节镜手术治疗膝关节交叉韧带囊肿的疗效.方法 2010年9月~2012年9月关节镜下治疗膝关节交叉韧带囊肿14例,采用常规前内、前外入路,或合并后外侧入路关节镜下切除交叉韧带囊肿,切取的囊壁组织送病检.结果 14例随访4~28个月,平均12.6月,术前关节活动度4°~105°,术后增加至0°~130°.术后膝关节Lysholm评分（92.1±6.9）分,较术前（61.9±20.1）分明显提高（t=5.981,P=0.000）.结论 关节镜下治疗膝关节交叉韧带囊肿效果确切.     

Case Report Ganglion Cysts of the Bilateral Cruciate Ligaments

Ganglion cysts originating from the cruciate ligaments have been reported rarely. A 38-year-old woman developed symptoms of knee pain with 10 degrees loss of knee extension. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-demarcated cystic mass surrounding the posterior cruciate ligament so clearly that further examination was not recommended. Because examination under anesthesia confirmed full extension of the knee, we presumed that pain produced by compression caused the diminished extension, and that mechanical block was not the reason. During arthroscopic examination, a mass was impinged between the anterior cruciate ligament and the intercondylar notch when extension of the knee was attempted. The mass was resected and immediate improvement was noted. The patient had experienced the same episode in the contralateral knee and removal of a ganglion cyst on the cruciate ligament 10 years ago. At the latest follow-up she was completely symptom free in both knees without any sign of recurrence.     

关节镜下经膝半月板滑膜缘入路治疗半月板囊肿24例

目的探讨关节镜下经膝半月板滑膜缘入路行半月板囊肿切除术的效果。方法对24例膝关节半月板囊肿患者（均合并半月板损伤,其中2例合并前叉韧带断裂）在关节镜下经半月板滑膜缘入路进行囊肿切除术,同时修复半月板损伤。结果 23例患者获得随访,时间26-50个月。MRI检查均未发现囊肿复发;按国际膝关节评分委员会（IKDC）膝关节功能评分,术前为（67.2±4.1）分,末次随访时为（89.6±5.7）分。结论关节镜下经半月板滑膜缘入路能够完成膝关节半月板囊肿的彻底切除,并能够最大程度地保留半月板,手术效果好。     

Peripheral detachment of the menisci of the knee: a preliminary report.

1. Anterior central detachments do satisfactorily as outlined. 2. However, if synovial meniscal detachments can be subluxed into the tibiofemoral junction, they should be sutured to their synovial ligamentous beds. 3. Both types of peripheral detachment coexist frequently with other intra-articular derangements, which are usually minor except when the anterior cruciate ligament is involved.     

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.     

Lumbar synovial cysts: experience with nine cases

Nine patients treated surgically for lumbar spinal synovial cyst were reviewed. Four patients had synovial, two had ganglion, one had posterior longitudinal ligament, and two had ligamentum flavum cyst. Synovial cysts had a single layer of epithelial cells in the inner layer of the cyst with continuity with the facet joint. Ganglion cyst had no continuity with the facet joint and epithelial lining was present in one and absent in one case. Posterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavum cysts had no continuity with the facet joint and no epithelial lining. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the cysts better than computed tomography. All patients treated for nerve root compression or lumbar spinal canal narrowing. One patient suffered recurrence 1 year later and was reoperated. Operative results were excellent in six and good in three patients. Lumbar spinal synovial cysts should be considered in differential diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy/neurogenic claudication and is surgically treatable.     

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.     

Editorial Commentary: Platelet-Rich Plasma and Knee Meniscal Repair—The Use of Biologics Has Not Progressed Substantially Since 1983

When it comes to meniscal repair, optimizing the local biological environment at the repair site by performing trephination to create bleeding from the extracapsular capillary network, by rasping to abrade the local synovial tissue, or by creating bleeding from the intercondylar notch is recommended. The addition of platelet-rich plasma probably also helps, especially absent the bleeding when meniscal repair is performed concomitantly with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, pending future research, there is not enough data to recommend platelet-rich plasma augmentation for meniscal repair in all cases.