Intraarticular ganglia of the knee: prevalence, presentation, etiology, and management

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive review of intraarticular ganglia of the knee.

Materials and methods: Cases of intraarticular ganglia of the knee were collected from a group of 1767 consecutive patients referred for MR imaging examinations of the knee. Medical records and radiologic, arthroscopic, and pathologic reports were reviewed.

Results: Twenty-three patients (17 men and six women) had intraarticular ganglia of the knee. Three ganglia were found in Hoffa's fat pad, 10 were associated with the anterior cruciate ligament, eight were associated with the posterior cruciate ligament, and two had no definite association with either the anterior or the posterior cruciate ligament. Of the 23 ganglia, 14 (61%) were located in the intercondylar notch. Pain was the most common complaint: medial joint line tenderness, lateral joint line tenderness, or retropatellar pain. Two of the three patients with ganglia in Hoffa's fat pad had a palpable mass on physical examination. Of the 23 patients with intraarticular ganglia of the knee, 18 (78%) had no associated internal derangement. Five patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, confirming the diagnosis of ganglionic cyst. Of these five patients, none had a recurrence.

Conclusion: With the advent of MR imaging of the knee, intraarticular ganglia of the knee have been found to occur more commonly than once thought, with a prevalence of 1.3% in this series. Radiologists interpreting knee MR images must be aware of this entity and its management.