Abstract

Introduction: Intra-articular cysts and ganglia have been reported to be 0.6% and 2.0% in symptomatic knees. The low incidence causes lack of awareness resulting into missing of the diagnosis leading to events which otherwise are preventable.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 26 year old state level track and field athlete who presented with intermittent pain and sudden jerky movement of the right knee for the last 5 months who had consulted two specialists before coming to us and had also undergone two MRI examinations without any definite diagnosis. Diagnostic arthroscopy revealed PCL cyst with full thickness chondral defect on the medial condyle of the femur. Retrospectively, a close look at the preoperative MRI was able to pick up the PCL cyst which had been passed earlier as normal. The delay of 5 months in diagnosis and another 6 months for recuperation resulted in ending the career of the athlete.

Conclusion: In conclusion, reminder of this rare, though known pathology, is likely to facilitate an early diagnosis and treatment resulting into saving the career of the players.

Keywords: Posterior cruciate ligament; Cysts; Ganglion; Athlete; Knee