Sonographic evaluation of intramuscular ganglia

The study presents the ultrasound appearance of the intramuscular ganglia arising from the superior tibio-fibular joint. An oval, anechoic septated mass with distal sound enhancement in the antero-lateral aspect of the leg was seen in five examined patients. In all the cases, ultrasound-guided needle aspiration was performed and viscous fluid characteristic of ganglia was obtained. All the patients were treated by surgical excision of mass. Local recurrence, which occurred in three cases, was confirmed by ultrasound. The study indicates that ultrasound is useful in diagnosing intramuscular ganglia, in planning the treatment, and in the follow-up examination. Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration is a helpful technique in confirming the diagnosis.