Abstract

Nerve compression by a ganglion is rare in children. Compression of the peroneal nerve by a ganglionic cyst causing foot drop is reported in an adolescent male.

Case Report

A 14 year-old male tennis player presented with a gradually progressive left foot drop. Three weeks prior, he found a knot behind his left knee that resolved. Sagital MRI T2-weighted images of the left knee demonstrated a lobulated, cystic mass, antero-lateral to the fibular head. Upon excision, a ganglion cyst was found to be compressing the common peroneal nerve. The child recovered at three months.

Conclusion

Nerve compression by a ganglion is rare in children (1). Rapid, repetitive actions involving acceleration/deceleration have been theorized to predispose ganglion cyst formation (2).

Figure 1: Sagittal T-2 weighted image of left knee showing ganglion cyst compressing peroneal nerve.

Figure 2: Axial T-2 weighted image of left knee showing ganglion cyst.

References