intraosseous ganglia

An intraosseous ganglion (plural: ganglia) is a benign subchondral radiolucent lesion without degenerative arthritis.

Epidemiology 

Tends to occur in middle age.

Clinical presentation

Patients may have mild localized pain.

Pathology

They are uni-/multilocular cysts surrounded by a fibrous lining, containing gelatinous material.

Origin
  • mucoid degeneration of intraosseous connective tissue perhaps due to trauma/ischemia
  • penetration of juxtaosseous soft-tissue ganglion (=synovial herniation) into underlying bone (occasionally)
  • Location

    Common locations are:

    • epiphyses of long bones (medial malleolus, femoral head, proximal tibia, carpal bones) 
    • subarticular flat bone (acetabulum)

    Radiographic features

    Plain radiograph

    Typically well-demarcated solitary lytic lesion, with a sclerotic margin. No communication with joint can be demonstrated.

    MRI
    • solitary, unilocular or multilocular
    • usually sclerotic rim is present
    Bone scan

    Bone scans demonstrate increased radiotracer uptake (in 10%).

    Differential diagnosis

    See also

    Siehe auch:
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