Arthroscopic excision of a ganglion cyst from the elbow.

Ganglia are benign lesions that are uncommonly seen about the elbow. When conservative treatment fails, surgical excision is recommended, usually through an open approach. The author presents the first report of a case of arthroscopic excision of a large anterior elbow cyst. The success of the excision, documented by magnetic resonance imaging at 18 months postoperatively, shows that the arthroscopic approach is a safe and viable alternative to open excision of ganglion cysts of the elbow.