Medial meniscal cyst of the knee detected by magnetic resonance imaging in a Moroccan patient: A case report and post-excision follow-up

摘要

Introduction Meniscal cysts are rare and usually asymptomatic. They may cause various symptoms depending upon their size and site of origin. It may present as a palpable mass with or without pain and sometimes grows large enough to limit the patient’s activities of daily living. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for their visualization. Excision is often guided by a careful study of the pre-operative MRI scans in multiple planes. Case report We report an unusual case of a medial meniscal cyst of the knee in a 40-year-old Moroccan patient with a progressively increasing swelling of his left knee for 1 year. There was no history of trauma. On examination there was a tender effusion. The range of motion of the knee was limited 0–110°. The MRI showed a meniscal cyst extending around the medial collateral ligament into the soft tissue. The lateral meniscus, anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate and collateral ligaments were normal in appearance. The well-circumscribed cyst was excised and the diagnosis confirmed by the histopathology. At 1-year follow up, he had full range of knee movement and remained asymptomatic, with no sign of recurrence. Conclusion Medial meniscal cysts should be considered in any patient presenting with persistent medial knee discomfort. Rigorous history and physical examination are essential to identify similar rare presentations. The use of MRI is important in confirming such anomalies and plan surgical intervention.