Massive synovial cyst of the shoulder causing vascular compromise. A case report.

A 47-year-old paraplegic patient is described who developed a massive synovial cyst of the upper extremity. The cyst developed in combination with a tear of the rotator cuff and the long head of the biceps tendon and involved the fasica surrounding the long head of the biceps. The increased pressure in the cyst resulted in a compartment syndrome of a portion of the long head of the biceps muscle. A review of the literature revealed no similar case.