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.