Symptomatic Intratendinous Ganglion Cyst of the Patellar Tendon: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Ganglion cysts are benign soft-tissue lesions most commonly encountered around the wrist and hand, while their occurrence in the knee joint is relatively uncommon. An intratendinous location within the patellar tendon is exceptionally rare. This report describes a unique case of an intratendinous ganglion cyst of the patellar tendon, outlining its clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, surgical management, and histopathological confirmation.

A 39-year-old male with a history of Osgood-Schlatter disease presented with progressive anterior knee pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a well-circumscribed, multilobulated cystic lesion within the patellar tendon, consistent with a ganglion cyst. The patient underwent complete surgical excision of the lesion, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. At follow-up, the patient exhibited full clinical recovery, return to sporting activities, and no evidence of recurrence on control MRI.

Intratendinous ganglion cysts of the patellar tendon are extremely rare and can mimic other etiologies of anterior knee pain. MRI remains the gold standard for diagnosis, whereas surgical excision provides definitive management. Recognition of this entity is essential for accurate differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.