Extraneural ganglion cyst causing foot drop.
Rakshith Patil, Naman Mittal, Aashay Prasad Pande et al.
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Case in brief
A male in his late 50s presented with a swelling on the lateral aspect of the right proximal lower leg, accompanied by progressive ankle dorsiflexion weakness and sensory loss on the dorsum of the foot. Imaging revealed a multiloculated cystic lesion compressing the common peroneal nerve. Surgical excision of the cyst led to complete neurological recovery at the 6-month follow-up.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights a ganglion cyst causing compressive neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve, a rare occurrence that can lead to significant functional impairment.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider ganglion cysts as a potential cause of foot drop and sensory disturbances, particularly when a swelling is present near the fibular neck.
Why it matters
Early recognition and intervention can prevent long-term neurological deficits associated with compressive neuropathies from ganglion cysts.