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.
synovia - joint capsule - knee - treatment - sport activity
