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.     

Prevalence of ganglion cysts originating from the proximal tibiofibular joint: A magnetic resonance imaging study

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of proximal tibiofibular ganglion cysts in patients undergoing outpatient magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. Type of Study: Observational cross-sectional study. Methods: From November 2000 to June 2001, every MRI of the knee performed at an outpatient imaging center was reviewed by a single examiner for the presence of a proximal tibiofibular ganglion cyst. In addition to the reason for ordering the MRI, demographic information on all patients was gathered. Results: A total of 654 knee MRI scans were performed at the outpatient imaging center during the study period. This study population consisted of 310 men and 344 women, with an average age of 43.4 years (range, 11 to 88 years). There were 308 left and 346 right knees imaged. The most common clinical diagnosis in these 654 patients was meniscal tear (42.8%). A total of 5 patients had a proximal tibiofibular ganglion cyst detected on MRI, yielding a prevalence of 0.76% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.1% to 1.4%). These cysts ranged in size from 1.0 to 2.8 cm in maximum diameter. Three were found in men and 2 in women. The mean age of these patients was 47.6 years (range, 42 to 54 years). The most common preimaging diagnosis in these patients was a medial meniscal tear (in 3 of 5). Conclusions: This study is the first to provide data on the prevalence of proximal tibiofibular ganglion cysts in a population of patients with knee pain significant enough to warrant MRI. Over half of the patients found to have proximal tibiofibular ganglion cysts had no symptoms or signs attributable to them.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 19, No 2 (February), 2003: pp 150–153     

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.     

Atypical location of an osteoid osteoma with atypical anterior knee pain

INTRODUCTION

An osteoid osteoma is a painful tumor that most commonly affects the extra-articular parts of the long bones. An intra-articular location of an osteoid osteoma is rare. Various differential diagnoses may arise in connection with such an unusual location because it causes atypical clinical signs.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 24-year-old male developed pain in the central region of the right knee. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no clear pathology in the knee joint. A technetium bone scan and computed tomography (CT) were then ordered and confirmed the presence of an osteoid osteoma in the knee joint. The patient was treated through an anteromedial approach to the knee, and the lesion was removed by excisional biopsy under fluoroscopy.

DISCUSSION

The diagnosis of intra-articular osteoid osteoma is challenging because the clinical presentation can be misleading. MRI is often requested as the first imaging method when dealing with knee symptoms, and radiologists are often unaware of the clinical presentation. Edema seen on MRI can be misleading with respect to the location of the nidus. CT is considered to be the best imaging method because it usually allows for clear visualization of the nidus. Different treatments have been proposed, ranging from open excision to arthroscopic resection.

CONCLUSION

Osteoid osteoma should be considered in young adult patients with chronic knee pain and no history of trauma.     

Gouty tophus presenting as an anterior cruciate ligament mass in the knee: Case report and brief review of relevant literature

Introduction and importanceTophacious gout presenting at the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is extremely rare and difficult to differentiate from other intraarticular pathology. This is mainly due to conventional diagnostic tools, such as MRI, producing ambiguous results versus pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and ganglion cysts.Case presentationHere we report an individual in their late-20s with a gouty tophus located at the origin of the ACL in the knee. Urate crystals on the articular cartilage in all three compartments was noted as well as on the synovium. On advanced imaging with an MRI, a large mass was seen anteriorly in the notch surrounding the ACL and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The tophus was biopsied and excised arthroscopically with excellent results.Clinical discussionAn ACL mass in the knee has a very broad differential diagnosis. MRI imaging alone makes it very difficult to differentiate between PVNS and gout tophi yielding a pre-operative diagnostic challenge. Additionally, we review diagnostic challenges faced by other groups with similar cases, as well as their chosen treatment.ConclusionGouty tophi arising from the origin of the ACL are extremely rare and remain difficult to diagnose due to their ambiguous nature in conventional imaging. In this report, we clearly convey the disparity in the diagnostic protocol for this type of intraarticular pathology. Future research should look to develop a superior protocol for identifying these pathologies to improve diagnostic accuracy.     

Ganglion cysts of the shoulder: technique of arthroscopic decompression and fixation of associated type II superior labral anterior to posterior lesions

Ganglion cysts of the shoulder and concomitant suprascapular nerve compression should be considered in the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain. They are associated commonly with labral tears, most commonly SLAP lesions. MRI has become commonplace in evaluating shoulder pain and has led to the increased awareness of shoulder cysts. MRI accurately demonstrates the size and location of ganglions, which is critical when planning surgical intervention. It also has shown the frequent association of intra-articular pathology with these cysts. Despite that MRI can detect atrophy, the diagnosis of suprascapular nerve compression can be confirmed only by EMG/NCS, because the presence of a cyst does not necessarily mean the nerve is compressed. Likewise, a positive EMG does not confirm that the compression is caused by a ganglion cyst. EMG/NCVs are necessary for confirming the diagnosis and evaluating nerve and muscle function. A trial of nonoperative management is warranted; however, this is associated with a high failure rate. Aspiration techniques are successful for decompression of the cysts and initial pain relief; however, the intra-articular pathology is not addressed and there is a higher rate of recurrence. Open resection of the ganglion cyst is successful; however, the intra-articular labral tears are not addressed, which can lead to recurrence and the morbidity of the cyst excision is not warranted. Shoulder arthroscopy has led to the identification of associated intra-articular pathology such as SLAP lesions. These were not appreciated previously with open surgery and therefore were not addressed. Arthroscopic techniques have evolved to allow decompression of the ganglion cysts and repair of the labral lesions. This should decrease the possibility of recurrence of the cyst by eliminating the cyst and the pathologic lesion that created it. Arthroscopic excision also avoids much of the morbidity of the open approach and allows intra-articular pathology to be addressed concomitantly. This point has been emphasized by other investigators also. Furthermore, because of the limited surgical dissection, rehabilitation is able to begin earlier, with less patient discomfort and more prompt return to normal activities.     

膝关节半月板和韧带损伤磁共振成像诊断

目的探讨磁共振成像(MRI)对膝关节损伤诊断价值和意义。方法行MRI检查并经手术或关节镜证实的病例27例,采用西门子公司1.5T超导型磁共振成像系统。均做矢状及冠状面扫描,层厚4mm。对8例有前交叉韧带(ACL)损伤和22个没有ACL损伤的膝关节,分别测量后交叉韧带(PCL)角和弯曲度指数,并进行统计学分析。结果23例31个半月板损伤,术前MRI确诊18例,24个半月板,确诊率分别为62.07%和77.42%。半月板损伤的MRI表现:①半月板内可见线条样异常信号影,延伸到关节表面(Ⅲ度);②半月板变小,内侧缘变纯;③半月板失去正常三角形结构;④半月板边缘凹凸不平,呈波浪状改变;⑤半月板外缘与关节囊之间距离增宽。在9例有ACL损伤的病例中,仅有5例术前得到明确诊断,确诊率为55.56%。PCL角和弯曲度指数测量结果在ACL损伤组和非损伤组间具有显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论MRI对半月板和韧带损伤绝大多数能显示损伤的部位和程度,但诊断半月板损伤时,应注意辨别易混淆的正常结构和有些容易漏诊的MRI表现;对可疑ACL损伤者,在观察直接征象同时,应注意分析间接征像。     

A rare case of giant cell tumour arising from anterior cruciate ligament: Its diagnosis and management

Tenosynovial giant cell tumour is a locally aggressive tumour arising from the synovia of the fibrous tissue surrounding the joints, tendon sheaths and tendons. Areas of predilection are the hand, and in the case of synovial joints, the knee joint is particularly affected. We describe a rare case of an intra-articular localized tenosynovial giant cell tumour arising from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a 27 year male who presented with pain and giving way of his left knee without prior history of any trauma. Tests for internal derangement of knee were negative. MRI reported an ACL tear with a heterogeneous fibrous mass attached to the distal part, most probably an organized haematoma. It was decided to do a diagnostic arthroscopy before proceeding for ACL reconstruction. Arthroscopy revealed a purple coloured mass attached to distal part of ACL. The mass was removed piecemeal using an additional posterolateral portal. ACL was found intact. Histopathology reported it to be tenosynovial giant cell tumour. The patient was asymptomatic at each subsequent follow up. It is a rare diagnosis which presented as an ACL tear; in such suspected cases it is prudent to perform a diagnostic arthroscopy before going for ACL reconstruction.     

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in the Skeletally Immature Patient: Diagnosis and Treatment

Significant intra-articular knee injuries, including tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), are now being recognized more frequently in skeletally immature patients. Previously reported data on ACL tears in this age group are sparse, and studies have been of limited quality. Improvements in diagnostic techniques (e.g., physical examination signs, arthrometric testing, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopy) have facilitated identification of such injuries. Hemarthrosis must be regarded as a herald of a major intra-articular injury. Surgical reconstruction options vary according to the specific diagnosis and the stage of maturity, and the available options for the very skeletally immature patient are limited. Therefore, treatment must be predicated on assessment of maturity, as determined on the basis of chronologic, radiologic, and physiologic criteria. An ACL injury in this age group is not a surgical emergency; therefore, time for discussion with the patient and his or her parents is available, so that all appropriate options can be considered.     

Posterior cruciate ligament resection for ganglion cyst and associated ligament degeneration

With increased use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy, intra-articular ganglion cysts of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) have received more recognition as a possible cause of knee discomfort. Reported treatment options have ranged from ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration to arthroscopic cyst resection. In this report, we present the case of a patient who, on MRI, was diagnosed with a symptomatic intrasubstance PCL ganglion that later, during surgery, demonstrated mucinous degeneration of the entire ligament. Treatment was complete resection of the PCL. Five years after surgery, the patient demonstrated excellent, asymptomatic knee function. Although the best treatment for an intrasubstance PCL ganglion cyst that has caused degeneration of the entire ligament is unknown, PCL resection without reconstruction should be considered a viable option. It can result in a large increase in range of motion and function.     

Intra-articular ganglion cysts of the knee.

A ganglion is a cystic mass with myxoid matrix that occasionally occurs within muscles, tendons, and menisci. A ganglion cyst within the knee is very rare, with few reports to be found. We are reporting eight cases of a ganglion within the knee joint. Our cases include two ganglia in the infrapatellar fat pad which have not been previously reported. Ganglion cysts do not have specific symptoms. We hypothesize that symptoms of a ganglion cyst may correlate with the size and the location within the knee joint. The diagnosis of ganglia within the knee was established by magnetic resonance imaging study and confirmed by pathological testing. All the patients were treated successfully using the arthroscopic technique.     

Juxta-articular myxoma: a rare cause of painful restricted motion of the knee

A 68-year-old athletic woman presented to our institution in January 2002 with a several-month history of progressing complaints of pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the right knee. These manifestations had begun the previous July during a game of tennis. She experienced persisting pain and recurring effusions. Because the patient had been residing in another state between July and January, rheumatologic and orthopaedic evaluations of the knee, including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), had been performed at a geographically distant (but affiliated) institution. The resulting presumptive diagnosis was a “wear and tear” degenerative articular disorder of the knee. A program of anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy was begun for several months but produced no therapeutic benefit by the time the patient presented at our institution. After examination confirmed marked losses of both flexion and extension of the knee, effusion, and exquisite medial joint tenderness, an MRI was repeated, using intra-articular gadolinium as a contrast agent. It revealed an intra-articular mass encircling the medial and posterior extents of the medial femoral condyle. An arthroscopic multiportal excisional biopsy was performed. It revealed the existence of a juxta-articular myxoma. The patient recovered most of the range of motion during the next several months, and the effusion and severe pain gradually dissipated. The patient was subsequently followed by sequential physical examinations and MRIs, performed at increasing intervals of time, without recurrence of a mass or of her flagrant symptoms in the first year post surgery. Though the patient’s diagnosis was established and treatment outcome was satisfactory, many issues were brought up in this case regarding most appropriate selection of diagnostic tests and treatment approaches.     

The anterior cruciate ligament: a review of recent concepts

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) consists of a small anteromedial band and a larger posterolateral band. Recent findings have shown the ACL to play a major role in the function of the knee joint. The ACL prevents anterior luxation of the tibia, limits tibial rotation, and resists valgus and varus stress to the knee. The most common mechanism of ACL injury involves hyperextension of the knee with a rotational component. Diagnosis of an ACL lesion consists of an accurate history, clinical tests and often, arthroscopic investigation. Treatment of an ACL injury may consist solely of a rehabilitation program, may involve surgical intervention, or a combination of the two. Many surgical procedures both intra-articular and extra-articular, have been used in the past. The most successful approach at this time appears to be a combination of intra-articular and extra-articular procedures. A contemporary trend in rehabilitation following surgery is the use of graduated stages of treatment beginning immediately postsurgery and continuing through to full return to activity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986;8(3):110-122.     

The influence of MRI on treatment decisions regarding knee injuries.

This study evaluated whether the information gained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee would provide information that was useful in the treatment algorithm. Three orthopedic surgeons completed a questionnaire immediately after the initial evaluation of a patient with a knee injury and for whom an MRI also was ordered by that surgeon. The questionnaire asked the surgeons' what their proposed clinical diagnoses and treatment plans would be if MRI was not available. Eighty-five patients were included in the study. Initial treatment recommendation was altered for 18 patients (21%) solely because of the MRI results. The physicians and MRI were most accurate for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears followed by medial meniscus tears, and lateral meniscus tears, and significantly behind in accuracy for patellofemoral chondral pathology. These diagnoses were more frequently missed in the face of acute ACL pathology for the clinician and MRI. In 19 cases in which the surgeon was confident of ACL insufficiency, in only 1 (5%) case did the MRI scan provide useful information. In 19 cases in which an ACL reconstruction was performed, the decision to proceed with the reconstruction was hastened in 3 patients because of the MRI results. These results indicate that the use of MRI for decision making in acute ACL tears is not of much benefit unless the diagnosis of ACL insufficiency is in question. Magnetic resonance imaging is more useful for the decision-making process when the pathology involves the menisci or chondral surfaces. In this study, MRI of the knee beneficially altered the treatment plan of the orthopedist in 18% of the patients and resulted in the prolongation of symptoms in 4% of patients.     

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.     

Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament: Management and outcome

Background:

Mucoid degeneration (MD) is a rare pathological affection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Mucinous material within the substance of ACL produces pain and limited motion in the knee. This series describes the clinicoradiological presentation of patients with mucoid ACL, partial arthroscopic debridement of ACL and outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

During a period of 3 years, 11 patients were included based upon the clinical suspicion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, arthroscopic features and histopathologic confirmation of MD of ACL.

Result:

Six patients were male and five were female with median age of 40 years (range 21-59 years). All patients complained of knee pain with median duration of 5 months (range 1-24 months). All patients had painful deep flexion with 63.6% (N = 7) reporting trivial trauma before the onset of symptoms. MRI revealed MD of ACL in all with associated cyst in three patients. Partial debridement of ACL was done in ten and complete in one patient. None of them required notchplasty. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis in all of them. At the mean followup of 13.81 months (range 6-28 months), all patients regained complete flexion and none complained of instability.

Conclusion:

Prior knowledge of condition with high index of suspicion and careful interpretation of MRI can establish the diagnosis preoperatively. It responds well to partial debridement of ACL and mucinous material without development of instability.     

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。     

Intramuscular dissection of a large ganglion cyst into the gastrocnemius muscle

Ganglion cysts are lesions resulting from the myxoid degeneration of the connective tissue associated with joint capsules and tendon sheaths. Most common around the wrist joint, ganglion cysts may be found elsewhere in the body, including in and around the knee joint. Uncommonly, ganglion cysts can present intramuscularly. Previous reports document the existence of intramuscular ganglia, often without histologic confirmation. This article describes a case of an intramuscular ganglion cyst in the medial gastrocnemius muscle of a 53-year-old woman. The patient initially presented for discomfort associated with the lesion. Examination was consistent with intramuscular cystic lesion of unknown etiology. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the origin of the mass at the semimembranosus-gastrocnemius bursa. Because of its location, the mass was initially suspected to be a dissecting Baker's cyst, an uncommon but previously reported diagnosis. The patient underwent surgical excision, and examination of the intact specimen revealed a thin, fibrous, walled cyst with no lining epithelium, which was consistent with a ganglion cyst. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in the orthopedic literature of a ganglion cyst dissecting into the gastrocnemius muscle. Because ganglion cysts commonly require excision for definitive treatment and do not respond well to treatment measures implemented for Baker's cysts, including resection of underlying meniscal tears, the authors believe it is important for orthopedic surgeons to be able to distinguish between Baker's and other cysts associated with the knee joint, including ganglion cysts, which may require more definitive treatment.     

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.