Abstract

Background: Peripheral neuropathies of lower extremities caused by ganglion cysts are rare. The most frequent location of occurrence is the common peroneal nerve and its branches, at the level of the fibular neck.
Case Presentation: This case is of a 39-year-old male who worked as a doctor. He presented with complaints of pain and numbness in his right foot. The pain started insidiously, radiating from the fibular head along the anterolateral leg and dorsum of the foot. Local examination of the right knee showed mild swelling over the anterolateral side of the knee as compared to the contralateral side associated with tenderness due to compression
over the right fibular head. X-ray of right knee and leg were done and were unremarkable. The diagnosis was made preoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Knee MRI reported a large lobulated cystic lesion seen at the level of proximal tibiofibular joint with intramuscular and intermuscular components.
Conclusion: The most effective way to treat the ganglion cyst is the surgical excision between the third and fourth months of diagnosis. The success of the surgery depends on careful preoperative planning and proper surgical technique.

Key words: Peroneal nerve, ganglion cyst, tibiofibular joint, case report