Double synovial cyst of the proximal tibiofibular joint confirmed by MRI as a cause of the peroneal tunnel syndrome

The aim of this case report is to present an unusual double synovial cyst that arose from the proximal tibiofibular joint compressing the peroneal nerve in the peroneal tunnel and was unrecognized at the beginning. According to the review of literature back to 1891, only 62 cases of cysts originating from the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) have been described. We report a case of a 32 year old male patient who was admitted to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery because of a classic peroneal tunnel syndrome of the left leg. On the lateral side of the proximal third of his left leg a tumefaction of 12 x 2.5 cm was visible. The sonography showed a characteristic image of the para-articular synovial cyst of the left knee. A surgical extirpation of the synovial cyst and decompression of the peroneal nerve in the peroneal tunnel were performed. PHD confirmed a classic synovial cyst. Postoperatively, the symptoms of the peroneal nerve compression disappeared. Three years after the first surgical intervention the patient was readmitted to the Department because of quite similar problems, only the neurological symptoms were less intensive than during the first admittance. This time the performed MR imaging showed a double synovial cyst originating from the proximal tibiofibular joint. The surgical treatment consisted of a total extirpation of both cysts including the narrow stalks of communication with the PTFJ. The joint was opened and a synovectomy was done using an electrocauter and a sharp curette. Regular check-ups were done every 6 months and twice during the control period of 4 years, as was the MR imaging control. MRI findings 4 years after the second surgical intervention were normal. Clinical findings after 7 years were normal and we are sure that the recidivation of the synovial cyst excluded. The MRI diagnostics was crucial for an adequate surgical treatment and the relief of the peroneal tunnel syndrome symptoms.     

Synovial cysts of the proximal tibiofibular joint: three case reports

Synovial cysts are fluid-filled masses lined with synovium and located within or about joints. The main symptoms are pain and/or neurological deficits. They can be intraneural or extraneural or develop between or within muscles. Synovial cysts that arise at a distance from a joint raise diagnostic challenges. We report three cases of synovial cysts of the proximal tibiofibular joint, including an intramuscular cyst responsible for paralysis of the anterolateral leg muscles. Tibiofibular synovial cysts are less common than popliteal cysts, and their pathophysiology is poorly understood. Pressure on the common peroneal nerve is the main complication and requires careful surgical excision of the cyst. Injection of a glucocorticoid into the cyst can be used as the first-line treatment in patients without common peroneal nerve symptoms.     

Synovial cyst of the proximal tibiofibular joint with peroneal nerve compression after total knee arthroplasty.

Synovial or ganglion cysts of the proximal tibiofibular joint are less common than synovial cysts of the knee joint but may present in a similar manner and may be difficult to diagnose clinically. Although synovial cysts arising from the knee joint after prosthetic arthroplasty have already been described, we report a case in which a lateral knee mass compressing the peroneal nerve was found to be a synovial cyst arising from the tibiofibular joint.     

Excision arthroplasty of superior tibiofibular joint for recurrent proximal tibiofibular cyst. A report of two cases

Synovial cysts originating from proximal tibiofibular joint are commonly symptomatic. They can progress to cause pressure effects over the common peroneal nerve. In order to prevent recurrence the importance of excision of the ganglion and its stalk is emphasised. In recurrent cases treatment can be difficult. We describe an operation where after recurrence superior tibiofibular joint excision along with the cyst led to complete recovery in two cases.     

Ganglion Cysts of the Proximal Tibiofibular Joint: Low Risk of Recurrence After Total Cyst Excision

BackgroundPeroneal nerve neuropathy due to compression from tumors or tumor-like lesions such as ganglion cysts is rare. Few case series have been published and reported local recurrence rates are high, while secondary procedures are frequently employed.Questions/purposes(1) What are the demographics of patients with ganglion cysts of the proximal tibiofibular joint, and what proportion of them present with intraneural cysts and peroneal nerve palsy? (2) What Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores do patients with this condition achieve after decompression surgery with removal of the ganglion cyst, but no arthrodesis of the tibiofibular joint? (3) What proportion of patients experience local recurrence after surgery?MethodsBetween 2009 to 2018, 30 patients (29 primary cases) were treated for chronic peroneal palsy or neuropathy due to ganglion cysts of the proximal tibiofibular joint at two tertiary orthopaedic medical centers with total resection of the cystic lesion. MRI with contrast and electromyography (EMG) were performed preoperatively in all patients. The minimum follow-up for this series was 1 year (median 48 months, range 13 to 120); 14% (4 of 29) were lost to follow-up before that time. The MSTS score was recorded preoperatively, at 6 weeks postoperatively, and at most-recent follow-up.ResultsA total of 90% of the patients were male (26 of 29 patients) and the median age was 67 years (range 20 to 76). In all, 17% (5 of 29) were treated due to intraneural ganglia. Twenty-eight percent (8 of 29) presented with complete peroneal palsy (foot drop). The mean MSTS score improved from 67 ± 12% before surgery to 89 ± 12% at 6 weeks postoperative (p < 0.001) and to 92 ± 9% at final follow up (p = 0.003, comparison with 6 weeks postop). All patients improved their scores. A total of 8% (2 of 25 patients) experienced local recurrence after surgery.ConclusionGanglion cysts of the proximal tibiofibular joint occurred more often as extraneural lesions in older male patients in this small series. Total excision was associated with improved functional outcome and low risk of neurologic damage and local recurrence, and we did not use any more complex reconstructive procedures. Tendon transfers may be performed simultaneously in older patients to stabilize the ankle joint, while younger patients may recover after decompression alone, although larger randomized studies are needed to confirm our preliminary observations.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study.     

Early detection of peroneal neuropathy by ultrasound

A 12 year old boy presented with ankle sprain. The physical examination revealed mild weakness of ankle dorsiflexion. An ultrasound was done for the soft tissues of the ankle. In addition to relative atrophy of the peroneus longus muscle, a compressive common peroneal nerve (CPN) lesion with a synovial cyst at the level of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) was accidently found. Since there were features of CPN compression by the synovial cyst, total excision of the cyst was performed. After the operation, muscle strength improved and the neurological deficit subsided. Therefore, the early diagnosis of PTFJ synovial cyst with nerve injury was crucial in order to achieve a better result. The obscure nature of clinical presentations can delay the diagnosis, which may potentially lead to a poor prognosis after treatment in such cases. This report highlights the fact that ankle sprain do need a thorough clinical work up in some cases.     

Surgical stabilisation of the proximal tibiofibular joint using temporary fixation: a technical note

Proximal tibiofibular instability is a symptomatic hypermobility of this joint possibly associated with subluxation. It is a rare condition both in clinical practice and in literature. The treatment of choice for proximal tibiofibular instability remains conservative, using a brace 1 cm underneath the head of the fibula. If no improvement is noted after six months of conservative treatment, surgical intervention can be considered: there are several options, such as resection of the head of the fibula, permanent arthrodesis of the proximal tibiofibular joint, reconstruction using either the tendon of the biceps femoris or a portion of the iliotibial tract, or temporary (three to six months) fixation using a screw together with release of the peroneal nerve.     

上胫腓关节切除在胫骨近端骨肉瘤保肢中的应用

目的探讨上胫腓关节切除在胫骨近端骨肉瘤保肢中的应用。方法1995年8月-2004年1月11例累及上胫腓关节的胫骨近端骨肉瘤患者在新辅助化疗支持下行包括上胫腓关节的胫骨骨肿瘤整块切除、人工膝关节置换、腓肠肌瓣移位重建伸膝装置及修复软组织缺损。其中男性7例,女性4例,年龄14～23岁,平均18岁。Enneking分期均为ⅡB期。结果II例患者均获得随访,随访时间2～9年,平均59个月。因肺转移死亡3例,肺转移带瘤存活1例,局部复发1例行截肢术;伤口皮肤坏死1例,下肢深静脉血栓2例,腓总神经牵拉损伤2例。术后膝关节功能MSTS93评分55％～86％,平均为70％;膝关节活动度0°～120°,平均为85°,伸直延迟均在0°～20°。结论对累及上胫腓关节的胫骨近端骨肉瘤在新辅助化疗支持下积极行包括上胫腓关节的胫骨骨肉瘤整块切除、定制人工膝关节置换术,手术疗效满意,但应注意相关并发症的防治。     

An unusual cause of paralysis of the peroneal nerve: a report of 3 cases

We present 3 cases of a 12-year-old boy, an 8-year-old girl, and a 9-year-old boy with progressive paresis of the peroneal nerve. Peroneal intraneural ganglia are a rare cause of paralysis of the lower limb in children; more often these symptoms occur because of exostosis. Ultrasound imaging in both patients showed a cystic mass near the fibular neck. Magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed that the ganglion is communicating with the proximal tibiofibular joint. Surgical exploration in these patients confirmed a cystic formation involving the common peroneal nerve. The ganglion originates from the articular nerve branch to the proximal tibiofibular joint. Total recovery of nerve function was seen 2 years later for the first patient, whereas the other 2 showed immediate postoperative improvement of peroneal nerve function and complete recovery within 6 to 8 weeks. On the other hand, patients with exostosis showed varying outcomes. In children with symptoms suspicious of nerve compression, fast diagnosis and immediate treatment are necessary to ensure the best possible recovery.     

A complex cyst characterized into its individual components: a shared pathogenesis from the superior tibiofibular joint

In a patient with a peroneal neuropathy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed characterization of a complex para-articular cyst into three different types of cysts, all derived from the superior tibiofibular joint: 1) an intraneural cyst extending along the articular branch to the common peroneal nerve; an interconnected intraneural component extending within the extensor digitorum muscle neural branch, penetrating the fascia of the anterior compartment, and reaching the subcutaneous tissues; 2) an intraosseous cyst isolated to the fibular head and neck, and 3) an extraneural cyst heading toward the tibial nerve and vessels. Joint resection and articular branch disconnection led to excellent functional recovery; an MRI confirmed no cyst recurrence. This case illustrates that different types of cysts can derive from a single joint of origin and extend in various locations and that the articular (synovial) theory is versatile for demonstrating a joint connection, even in unusual appearing combinations of cysts.     

A rare cause of deep peroneal nerve palsy due to compression of synovial cyst – Case report

INTRODUCTIONSynovial cyst is a rare cause of compression neuropathy and its differential diagnosis can be misleading.PRESENTATION OF CASEThis article presents clinical, radiological, and histological findings of deep peroneal nerve palsy due to compression of a synovial cyst in a 30-year-old patient admitted with sudden drop foot.DISCUSSIONFocal nerve entrapment in lower extremity due to synovial cystis a rare entity. Differential diagnosis is important. Surgical excision is the main treatment method with high success rate.CONCLUSIONSynovial cyst compression which can be treated easily with surgical excision should be considered in rapidly progressed drop foot.     

A rare cause of root-compression: Subaxial cervical synovial cyst in association with congenital fusion

IntroductionSynovial cyst in the cervical spine is a very rare pathology that develops from the facet joint. When a synovial cyst emerges into the surrounding space, it can compress the nervous tissue and cause neurological symptoms. In the cervical area there is additionally the risk of spinal cord compression comparing to the more common presentation of synovial cysts in the lumbar spine.Presentation of caseHere, a cervical synovial cysts from the left facet joint grew into the spinal canal and compressed the C8 nerve root which led to root compressing symptoms. Interestingly we found this synovial cyst with congenital fusion. We identified only nine similar cases in the literature. The cyst was removed surgically and the patient discharged without complications.DiscussionNumerous theories have been established to explain the pathogenesis of synovial cyst. Biomechanical alterations of the spine play a significant role in the development of synovial cyst. However, the etiology is still unclear.ConclusionSurgical treatment should be considered in cervical synovial cysts with neurologic deficit or with cord compression or when the conservative treatment is ineffective.     

Peroneal intraneural ganglia: the importance of the articular branch. A unifying theory

OBJECT: Based on a large multicenter experience and a review of the literature, the authors propose a unifying theory to explain an articular origin of peroneal intraneural ganglia. They believe that this unifying theory explains certain intriguing, but poorly understood findings in the literature, including the proximity of the cyst to the joint, the unusual preferential deep peroneal nerve (DPN) deficit, the absence of a pure superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) involvement, the finding of a pedicle in 40% of cases, and the high (10-20%) recurrence rate. METHODS: The authors believe that peroneal intraneural lesions are derived from the superior tibiofibular joint and communicate from it via a one-way valve. Given access to the articular branch, the cyst typically dissects proximally by the path of least resistance within the epineurium and up the DPN and the DPN component of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) before compressing nearby SPN fascicles. The authors present objective evidence based on anatomical, clinical, imaging, operative, and histological data that support this unifying theory. CONCLUSIONS: The predictable clinical presentation, electrical studies, imaging characteristics, operative observations, and histological findings regarding peroneal intraneural ganglia can be understood in terms of their origin from the superior tibiofibular joint, the anatomy of the articular branch, and the internal topography of the peroneal nerve that the cyst invades. Understanding the controversial pathogenesis of these cysts will enable surgeons to perform operations based on the pathoanatomy of the articular branch of the CPN and the superior tibiofibular joint, which will ultimately improve clinical results.     

Sciatic cross-over in patients with peroneal and tibial intraneural ganglia confirmed by knee MR arthrography

Background  A predictable mechanism and stereotypic patterns of peroneal intraneural ganglia are being defined based on careful analysis of MRIs. Peroneal and tibial intraneural ganglia extending from the superior tibiofibular joint which extend to the level of the sciatic nerve have been observed leading to the hypothesis that sciatic cross-over could exist. Such a cross-over phenomenon would allow intraneural cyst from the peroneal nerve by means of its shared epineurial sheath within the sciatic nerve to cross over to involve the tibial nerve, or vice versa from a tibial intraneural cyst to the peroneal nerve. Method and Findings  One patient with a peroneal intraneural ganglion and another with a tibial intraneural ganglion each underwent a knee MR arthrogram. These studies were not only definitive in demonstrating the communication of the cyst to the superior tibiofibular joint connection but also in confirming sciatic cross-over. Contrast injected into the knee could be demonstrated tracking to the superior tibiofibular joint and then proximally into the common peroneal or tibial nerve respectively, crossing over at the sciatic nerve, and then descending down the tibial and peroneal nerves. The arthrographic findings mirrored MR images upon their retrospective review. Conclusions  This study provides direct in vivo proof of the nature of sciatic cross-over theorized by critical review of MRIs and/or experimental dye injections done in cadavers. This study is important in clarifying the potential paths of propagation of intraneural cysts at points of major bifurcation.     

Traumatic proximal tibiofibular dislocation with neurovascular injury

23 years old male presented with inferolateral dislocation of proximal tibiofibular joint associated with popliteal artery and common peroneal nerve injury. The extension of the injury to involve the interosseus membrane up to the distal tibiofibular joint. The association of popliteal artery injury is not reported before to the best of our knowledge.     

Proximal tibial and fibular physeal fracture causing popliteal artery injury and peroneal nerve injury: A case report and review of literature

Either proximal tibial or tibial physeal injuries are rare. The combination of both is even rarer, let alone causes a vascular injury. Early intervention is the key for management. We hereby present an interesting case of simultaneous proximal tibiofibular physeal injury with popliteal arterial occlusion and common peroneal nerve injury. The present case is important in two aspects: firstly it reports a very rare occurrence of simultaneous proximal tibiofibular physeal injury associated with vascular insult and common peroneal nerve injury; secondly it highlights that with timely intervention excellent results can be achieved in paediatric patients.     

Permanent anterior dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint

We report two patients with permanent dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint and no history of trauma. Both needed operation, one for persistent pain and the other for common peroneal nerve involvement, and both had a good result.     

Proximal tibiofibular joint: Rendezvous with a forgotten articulation

The proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) is a plane type synovial joint. The primary function of the PTFJ is dissipation of torsional stresses applied at the ankle and the lateral tibial bending moments besides a very significant tensile, rather than compressive weight bearing. Though rare, early diagnosis and treatment of the PTFJ dislocation are essential to prevent chronic joint instability and extensive surgical intervention to restore normal PTFJ biomechanics, ankle and knee function, especially in athletes prone to such injuries. PTFJ dislocations often remain undiagnosed in polytrauma scenario with ipsilateral tibial fracture due to the absence of specific signs and symptoms of PTFJ injury. Standard orthopedic textbooks generally describe no specific tests or radiological signs for assessment of the integrity of this joint. The aim of this paper was to review the relevant clinical anatomy, biomechanics and traumatic pathology of PTFJ with its effect on the knee emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis through a high index of suspicion. Dislocation of the joint may have serious implications for the knee joint stability since fibular collateral ligament and posterolateral ligament complex is attached to the upper end of the fibula. Any high energy knee injury with peroneal nerve palsy should immediately raise the suspicion of PTFJ dislocation especially if the mechanism of injury involved knee twisting in flexion beyond 80° and in such cases a comparative radiograph of the contralateral side should be performed. Wider clinical awareness can avoid both embarrassingly extensive surgeries due to diagnostic delays or unnecessary overtreatment due to misinformation on the part of the treating surgeon.     

Peroneal nerve palsy due to superior dislocation of the head of the fibula and shortening of the tibia (Monteggia-like fracture dislocation of the calf).

A case of peroneal nerve palsy due to superior dislocation of the proximal tibio-fibular joint is described. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.     

Synovial chondromatosis and instability of the proximal tibiofibular joint.

A patient with synovial chondromatosis involving both posterior compartments of the right knee and proximal tibiofibular joint had continued pain and weakness after partial synovectomy. The "Helfet Test" for proximal tibiofibular joint instability was positive; the fibular head was prominent and tender. Following excision of the proximal fibula, the patient was symptom free. This case demonstrates that it is essential to evaluate all joints involved with a disease process prior to surgical intervention.