Synovial cysts and compression neuropathies: a case report

Synovial cysts may arise from any joint affected with an inflammatory arthropathy and can cause compression of adjacent structures. The commonest joint affected is the knee. Synovial cysts arising from other joints are uncommon and those arising from the elbow joint are a rarity. Here we describe a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who presented with right ulnar nerve palsy due to a large synovial cyst arising from the elbow joint and extended into the forearm. In addition to the description of the case a literature review of compression neuropathies secondary to synovial cysts has been performed