Intraneural Mucoid Cysts of the Upper Limb

Abstract

Intraneural mucoid cysts are uncommon. They usually affect middle-aged men, presenting with pain and symptoms of nerve compression. We report on our series of six patients, three of whom had cysts involving the digital nerves. We compare our series with others and discuss controversies concerning the existence, aetiology, treatment and outcome of these cysts. We believe MR scans can aid in the preoperative diagnosis and follow-up of these patients and that, if possible, careful cyst excision using an operative microscope is the treatment of choice.