Intraneural Ganglion Cyst in Foot and Ankle

족부와 족관절에서의 신경내 결절종

Purpose: Pathogenesis of intraneural ganglion is controversial, however, the synovial theory that the intraarticular region is the origination of disease has come into the spotlight nowadays. But there are a few researches about intraneural ganglion in foot and ankle. We studied 7cases of intraneural ganglion. We are going to prove the synovial theory by indentifying articular branch of intraneural ganglion. Materials and Methods: From August 2003 to May 2011, we evaluated 7 ouf of 8 patients diagnosed as a intraneural ganglion in foot and ankle. The gender ratio were 4 male and 3 female, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 52.9 years. Clinically, we checked pre and post operative symptom, muscle tone and whether loss of muscle tone and sensation exists. We analyzed surgical records and preoperative MRI and compared those with intra-operative finding. Results: In MRI analysis of 7cases, the connection around the joints were confirmed, and 1 case was confirmed in the retrospective analysis of MRI. Intraneural ganglions occurred in medial plantar nerve 3 cases, lateral plantar nerve 1 case, superficial peroneal nerve 1 case and sural nerve 1 case. We could not found recurrence during the follow up periods. Most patients relieved pain after operation, but recovery of sensation was unsatisfactory. We could find some cases pathological finding of the nerve intraoperatively, and clinical result of that cases was poor. Conclusion: Intraneural ganglion can occur in various parts in foot and ankle. We concluded that the intranneural ganglion originated from joint by identifying the artichlar branch of ganglion. Due to its small size, it is difficult to find articular branch in operation field. But we do our best to find and remove articular branch. Currently, considering the small amount of research in foot and ankle, more research about articular brach is needed.