GANGLIA AND CYSTS AROUND JOINTS

Para-articular cysts frequently are seen on routine imaging examinatio ns. They may be clinically asymptomatic or may cause pain, swelling, o r impaired joint function. They often are associated with underlying j oint disorders, such as trauma, degeneration, or inflammation. This ar ticle discusses the cause, symptoms, and appearance of para-articular cysts on various imaging examinations including arthrography, ultrasou nd, CT scan, and MR imaging. Specific attention is focused on these cy stic masses appearing around the hip, knee, ankle and foot, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, spine, temporomandibular joints, and periosteum .