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Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(8): 692-695
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-989440
Rapid Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Synovial Ganglion of the Knee: Two Cases in Athletes

S. Dragoni1 , A. Giombini2 , A. Di Cesare3 , M. Ripani2
  • 1Department of Radiology, Institute of Sport Medicine and Science, Rome, Italy
  • 2Department of Health, University of Motor Science, Rome, Italy
  • 3Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Publikationsverlauf

accepted after revision November 23, 2007

Publikationsdatum:
22. Januar 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The objective of the study is to describe two cases of proximal tibiofibular ganglion cysts in high level athletes. In May 2003 and March 2005 two athletes (one tennis player in the top eighty of the Italian national ranking and a gymnast belonging to the Italian rhythmic gymnastics national team) were referred to our institution complaining of postero-lateral knee discomfort and the presence of localized swelling over the fibular head and the antero-lateral aspect of the leg, with a clinically suspected diagnosis of ganglion cyst of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Ultrasonography clearly detected the fluid-filled structures while magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis, also showing precisely the anatomic relationship between the ganglions and the surrounding structures. Both athletes underwent surgical excision and the histological examination was compatible with a proximal tibiofibular joint ganglion cyst; as yet they have had no recurrence.

Key words

synovia - joint capsule - knee - treatment - sport activity

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Dr. Stefano Dragoni

Institute of Sport Medicine and Science
Department of Radiology

Largo P. Gabrielli, 1

00197 Rome

Italy

Fax: + 39 36 85 92 56

eMail: stefano.dragoni@coni.it