Abstract:Abstract Objective To investigate the clinical and MRI features of ganglion cysts around the flexor hallucis longus tendon. Methods From December 2018 to December 2021, 19 cases with flexor longus tendon sheath cyst were retrospectively analyzed, including 12 males and 7 females, with an average age of 51.83 years (range, 38-64 years). There were 8 cases on the left side and 11 cases on the right side. All patients were examined by MRI, sagittal T1WI, sagittal and coronal PDWI and transverse T2WI.The observation indexes included: ① the location and range of cyst. ② The signal characteristics of the cyst. ③ Recht classification of articular cartilage degeneration.Results:① Among the 19 cases, 8 cases (42.11%) were Supramalleolar canal, the longest diameter was 4-8 cm, with an average of 6.41 cm. There were 6 cases (31.57%) of inframalleolar canal, the longest diameter was 2-6cm, the average was 4.05cm. And 5 cases (26.32%) with around the metatarsophalangeal joint,the longest diameter was 2.5-3.4cm, with an average of 2.96cm.② MRI showed a smooth border mass around the joint, with low or moderate signal on T1WIand high signal on T2WI and PDWI.③ There were significant degenerative changes in ankle joint or interphalangeal joint, and Recht articular cartilage grade was grade III-IV.Conclusions: MRI could show the range, anatomic relationship and joint degeneration around the ganglion cysts, and provide help for clinical treatment.