The ACL is intact, however, it is bulky and has altered signal intensity. There is a multiloculated ganglion cyst in relation to the femoral attachment of the ACL.

Intraarticular ganglion cysts have been reported to occur on MRI in 1.3% of patients, with approximately 20% of these related to the anterior cruciate ligament. There are two theories relating to the pathogenesis of the ganglion cysts. The first theory attributes the presence of ganglion cysts to being a product of mucinous degeneration of the connective tissue The second theory considers it a cause of herniation of synovial tissue through a defect in the joint capsule or tendon sheath, similar to those of wrist joint origin.