Authors: Varand Ghazikhanian Javier Beltran Violeta Nikac Marina Feldman Jenny T Bencardino
Publish Date: 2012/07/12
Volume: 41, Issue: 11, Pages: 1375-1379
Abstract
Tunnel cyst formation is a rare complication after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction usually occurring 1–5 years postoperatively which may occasionally be symptomatic There are multiple proposed theories regarding the etiology of tunnel cysts Theories include necrosis foreignbody reaction lack of complete graft osteointegration and intravasation of articular fluid It is important to know if the tunnel cysts are communicating or not communicating with the joint as surgical management may be different Imaging characteristics on magnetic resonance images MRI include tibial tunnel widening multilocular or unilocular cyst formation in the graft or tibial tunnel with possible extension into the pretibial space intercondylar notch and/or popliteal fossa The MR imaging differential diagnosis of tibial tunnel cysts includes infection foreignbody granuloma or tibial screw extrusion Importantly to the best of our knowledge graft failure or instability has not been reported in association with tibial tunnel cysts
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