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


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Level IV, Case Series.
Parish
Erin N
EN
The Australian Institute of Musculo-Skeletal Research, Sydney, Australia.
Dixon
Paul
P
Cross
Mervyn J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001182:Arthroscopy; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D045888:Ganglion Cysts / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D016896:Treatment Outcome