RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical symptom and effect of arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cysts of the knee.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data from 12 symptomatic ACL cysts patients from January 2005 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed,including 8 males and 4 females,with an average age of (33.7±9.5) years old (ranged, 19 to 53 years old). The locations were the left knee in 5 cases and the right knee in 7 cases. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 48 months,with a mean of (15.8±13.2) months. All cysts were arthroscopically resected. Range of motion was measured preoperatively and postoperatively, and Lysholm scoring system was used to evaluate the knee function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the incisions healed by first intention, and no complications occurred. Twelve patients were followed up for an average of (32.3±6.6) months(ranged, 24 to 48 months). The symptoms of arthralgia,swelling and interlocking of the affected knees disappeared. There was no recurrence during the follow-up. There were significant differences in the range of motion and Lysholm score between pre-operation and post-operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Arthroscopic surgery, showing its advantages of minimal invasion and rapid recovery,is an effective measure in the treatment of ACL cysts.</p>