There is a lump on my elbow

The elbow joint is a very important joint in the human body. Because it is used very frequently, problems are very likely to occur. A lump growing on the elbow joint is a very typical phenomenon, which is most likely caused by a synovial cyst. We need to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation of synovial cysts, make judgments based on other symptoms, and go to a regular hospital for diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner when the situation is serious.

A synovial cyst is a benign, localized cystic mass attached to a joint capsule, tendon sheath, or synovial bursa. The disease can occur in people of any age, with the most common age of onset being 51 to 60 years old. The cause is unknown, but it may be related to chronic injury and may be secondary to other joint diseases. Synovial cysts often occur singly or in groups on the fingers, and sometimes on the distal ends of the toes and the extension side of the interphalangeal (toe) joints. Cysts are colorless, clear, or slightly red.

Clinical manifestations

Synovial cysts can occur at any age. Clinically, they present as a local mass that may be accompanied by local pain and is soft to the touch. It often occurs singly or in several places on the fingers, and sometimes on the distal ends of the toes and the extension side of the finger (toe) joints. Cysts are colorless, clear, or slightly red.

examine

1. Physical examination

A painless mass can be felt on the affected surface, and there is no obvious redness or swelling of the local skin.

2. X-ray examination

The joints of the limbs are swollen, and medium-density lumps appear inside or outside the joint capsule. At the same time, subcutaneous fat and muscle space displacement occur. 75% of popliteal cysts are connected to the knee joint.

3. CT examination

The intra-articular lesions have clear boundaries, are cystic, low-density, and have walls, and the surrounding tissues are compressed and displaced.

diagnosis

The diagnosis can be made based on clinical manifestations, physical examination, and auxiliary examination results.

treat

1. Physical therapy

Ultrasound, heat therapy, cold therapy.

2. Injection therapy

In some cases, cyst fluid aspiration followed by steroid injection can provide relief.

3. Surgery

The cyst was carefully dissected away from the surrounding soft tissue and removed.