A 13-year-old girl presented with intermittent knee pain for 2 years, especially during gymnastics at school and dancing. On physical examination, there was no weakness or neurological deficits.
MRI demonstrated a multilobulated lesion with internal septations, extending along the tibial nerve, from the popliteal fossa to the level of the proximal tibial metaphysis. A thin tubular component of the lesion extended anterolaterally to the posterior aspect of the tibiofibular joint. T1-images showed low-intermediate signal intensity. PD- and T2-fat-saturated images showed fluid signal within the mass (Fig. 1-3). Postcontrast T1-fat-saturated images demonstrated only faint thin peripheral enhancement (Fig. 4). Based on these images a diagnosis of intraneural ganglion of the tibial nerve was made.
Surgical exploration revealed a lobulated longitudinal mass with overlying nerve fascicles (Fig. 5). Along the 'articular' branch of the tibial nerve the lesion could be followed towards the proximal tibiofibular joint.
Pathological evaluation revealed a cyst with mucoid content and a fibrous wall without epithelial or synovial lining consistent with a ganglion cyst.
An intraneural ganglion cyst is a lesion of the peripheral nerve typically seen in adults. The most common type is the peroneal intraneural ganglion cyst. Involvement of the tibial nerve is much less common, about 15 cases have been reported [1-3, 9]. The first case of intraneural ganglion cyst of the tibial nerve was described in 1967 [2]. There are only two reported cases of tibial intraneural ganglion cysts in children [3, 4]. Intraneural ganglia are non-neoplastic cysts caused by the accumulation of thick mucinous fluid within the epineurium of peripheral nerves, encased in a dense fibrous capsule [5]. The pathophysiology of an intraneural ganglion cyst of the tibial nerve can be explained by the unifying articular theory [6]. The cyst arises from the posterior aspect of the superior tibiofibular joint. The responsible articular branch is derived from the oblique descending branch innervating the popliteus muscle. By leakage of joint fluid into the epineurium via the articular branch perforating the joint capsule, mucoid fluid accumulates within the neural sheath.
These cysts can cause compression of the adjacent nerve fascicles, resulting in pain, paresthesias, weakness, muscle denervation and atrophy [5]. They are commonly manifested by local and radiating pain, but motor and sensory deficits have also been described.
Intraneural ganglion cysts of the tibial nerve can be diagnosed by ultrasound and/or MRI. Several signs on MRI have been described [7, 8]. The 'signet ring sign' (Fig. 3a) is caused by eccentric displacement of the tibial nerve fascicles by an intraneural cyst. The 'tail sign' (Fig. 3b) reflects a narrow neck or pedicle connecting the intraneural cyst to the joint. The 'popliteus sign' (Fig. 3b) refers to denervation oedema of the popliteus muscle and fatty atrophy.
Minimally invasive decompression is a possible treatment of symptomatic intraneural ganglion cysts to reduce tibial nerve compression and secondary muscle denervation in patients who want to avoid an open surgical approach. Ultrasound-guided aspiration can be performed after taking careful measures to avoid injuring the nerve fascicles and adjacent popliteal artery [9].
Surgical treatment involves decompressing the intraneural ganglion cyst, identifying and disconnecting the articular branch and resecting the synovium [4].
An intraneural ganglion cyst of the tibial nerve should be considered when a non-enhancing cystic structure with intra-articular extension is identified along the course of the tibial nerve posterior to the knee joint.
Intraneural ganglion cyst of the tibial nerve.
According to the provided knee joint MRI sequence images, a cystic abnormal signal can be observed in the posterior aspect of the knee joint, in the region where the tibial nerve travels, showing relatively high T2-weighted signal intensity. In some slices, a distinct “signet ring sign” is visible, characterized by eccentrically displaced tibial nerve fibers pushed to one side of the cyst wall. Additionally, a slit-like or narrow “neck” extending proximally to the upper calf region (the so-called “tail sign”) suggests potential communication with the joint cavity. Surrounding soft tissues show no significant bony erosion or destruction, and there is no evident fracture.
Overall, the cystic lesion is located within the fascicles of the tibial nerve, presenting a characteristic T2 hyperintensity. Mild tissue compression and displacement of nerve fibers are noted, but there is no obvious bone destruction or extensive soft tissue swelling.
Considering the patient’s age (13 years), chief complaint of intermittent posterior knee pain related to activity, and MRI findings demonstrating a cystic lesion within the tibial nerve that communicates with the proximal joint cavity, the most likely diagnosis is:
Intraneural Ganglion Cyst of the Tibial Nerve
Although rare in children, it aligns with the patient’s clinical symptoms and the typical imaging findings. This is established as the primary diagnosis. Further confirmation may be accomplished through surgery or ultrasound-guided aspiration.
Rehabilitation training should follow a gradual, individualized approach, focusing on:
Throughout the rehabilitation process, regular follow-up is essential to evaluate nerve function and pain status, adjusting the training intensity and methods appropriately to ensure safety.
This report is a reference-based analysis derived from the available information. It does not replace in-person medical evaluation or professional opinion in a healthcare institution. For any changes in condition or further concerns, please consult a medical professional promptly for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Intraneural ganglion cyst of the tibial nerve.
