title: Intraneural ganglion cyst of the ulnar nerve in an unusual location: A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intraneural ganglion cysts are benign, mucinous, non-neoplastic lesions of the peripheral nerves. While the most common location of intraneural ganglion cysts is the ulnar nerve and its branches, intraneural ganglion cyst involving the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve has not yet been reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  A-25-year-old woman presented with pain and a palpable mass in the hypothenar region of the volar side of her right hand. Her neuromuscular examination was normal. The pain was unresponsive to nonsurgical treatments. After confirming with imaging modalities, the initial diagnosis was considered as an intraneural ganglion cyst arising from superficial ulnar nerve. Excision of the ganglion and exploration of the articular branch (if seen in operation) decision was undertaken by the senior author. Whether MRI or intraoperative exploration, not identified an articular branch.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intraneural ganglion cysts of peripheral nerves may be seen in miscellaneous locations in the body. However, to our knowledge, an intraneural ganglion cyst involving the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve is unique. While a variety of theories have been proposed to enlighten the etiopathogenesis of intraneural ganglia, the latest and most affirmed is the unifying articular (synovial) theory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intraneural ganglion cysts may be seen on the hypothenar side of the palm. The etiology and treatment of choice are closely associated with each other in this rare disorder. It is important to realize a related articular branch, otherwise the origin of cyst formation remains, and this may cause other para-articular cysts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Yedikule Surp Pırgiç Ermeni Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey. Electronic address: dr88.mehmet.demirel@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ufuk
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Öztürk
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salduz
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Demirel
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Tuna
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pehlivanoğlu
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Yedikule Surp Pırgiç Ermeni Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sevan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sivacioğlu
keywords: Articular branch; Intraneural ganglion cyst; Superficial branch; Ulnar nerve