Ganglion cyst or synovial cyst?

[Xue Heng]

Hi, Steve.
I’m confused about the definition of ganglion cyst and synovial cyst.
Is ganglion cyst communicate with the joint, and is synovial cyst not communicate with the joint?
This patient was a 41-year-old male, with a mass inferior and lateral to the knee joint.
He said sometimes when he pressed hard, the mass could disappear.
Does this indicate the mass communicate with the joint?
When I scanned, I saw a cystic dominant mass, with a neck that was deep to the mass.
I guess it might communicate to the superior tibia-fibular joint.
And can we make the diagnosis of synovial cyst?
Thank you, Steve.
I’m sorry I have so much questions to ask.

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[Stephen Bird]

Hi Xue,

I think I use these words interchangeably.

Ganglion cyst / synovial cyst

I agree this is a synovial cyst / ganglion and given the location and appearance it is almost certainly arising from the proximal tibia-fbular joint. It would indicate some prior injury or underlying degenerative condition of the joint giving rise to the ganglion.

As the cyst is in communication with the joint it may fluctuate in size ( a bit like a Bakers cyst can do in the knee)

Remember in this joint there is a possibility for a ganglion to extend into the articular branch of the common peroneal nerve and become an intramural ganglion.

Not in this case however.

Steve

[Xue Heng]

Thank you, Steve.
Thank you for answering all my questions with patience and profound knowledge of MSK US.

[Stephen Bird]

Always a pleasure mate,

You have great cases to share.

Keep them coming.

Steve

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