About this video
Last updated: 9 October 2026
The video explains a cyclops lesion is a nodule of scar tissue that forms in the front of the knee after an ACL reconstruction. It says the telltale sign is a knee that will not completely straighten after ACL reconstruction and stops at a certain point as if something is in the way.
Key points
- The video says bending is usually unaffected, and that this specific limitation is what separates a cyclops lesion from general stiffness after surgery.
- It says a cyclops lesion will not resolve with physiotherapy alone, and describes an arthroscopic procedure to remove the nodule.
- The video says some patients assume the stiffness is normal and try to stretch harder.
- If the knee has not fully straightened after ACL surgery, especially with firm resistance at the end of movement, the video says to have it assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon.
Questions this video answers
What is a cyclops lesion after ACL surgery?
The video says a cyclops lesion is a nodule of scar tissue that forms in the front of the knee after an ACL reconstruction. The knee will not completely straighten and stops at a certain point as if something is in the way.
How is a cyclops lesion different from normal stiffness after ACL surgery?
The video says bending is usually unaffected, and the specific limit on straightening is what makes a cyclops lesion different from general post-operative stiffness. It says a cyclops lesion will not resolve with physiotherapy alone.
