Ciaran Joseph Johnston MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Stephanie Maria Ford MBBCh, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Deirdre Mary Duke MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stephen John Eustace MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To describe clinical technique and patient outcomes of CT guided drainage of ACL ganglion cysts in 15 cases and discuss advantages of radiologically guided intervention relative to traditional surgical/arthroscopic treatment

15 patients with MRI proven ACL ganglion cysts (all symptomatic) underwent radiological drainage. In each case, after employing local anaesthesia, cysts were punctured using an 11 gauge bone biopsy needle via a posterior approach using CT guidance. Aspiration was performed and yielded 1.3 to 3.5 ccs of gelatinous material. This was followed by injection of 40 mgs of prednisolone and 2 ccs of 0.5% marcaine. Clinical follow-up was completed to at least 6 months in all cases. Follow-up MR imaging was available in 8 patients.

ACL ganglion cyst drainage was technically successful in each case without complication with a mean procedure time of 35 minutes. Symptom relief was documented in 13 of 15 patients at 6-72 months. Repeat MRI scanning in 6 patients confirmed cyst resolution and in the 2 symptomatic patients confirmed cyst recurrence.

CT guided ACL ganglion cyst aspiration is a safe, effective and enduring treatment which offers a successful alternative to traditional surgical approaches.

Johnston, C, Ford, S, Duke, D, Eustace, S, CT-guided ACL Ganglion Cyst Drainage: Technique and Outcome in 15 Cases.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4412765.html