Which joint is most commonly associated with a synovial cyst?

The joint most commonly associated with a synovial cyst is the joint of the wrist or elbow. Synovial cysts, often referred to as ganglion cysts when they occur near joints, are more frequently observed near the wrist, particularly on the dorsal aspect. These cysts form as a result of the synovial fluid leaking from the joint capsule or tendon sheath, usually due to repetitive stress, trauma, or degeneration of the joint structures.

In the case of the wrist, these cysts can be palpable and may arise from conditions involving the wrist joints or tendons. While synovial cysts can occur in other joints, such as the knee or ankle, the wrist is particularly notorious for these cystic formations. The hip and shoulder joints are less commonly associated with synovial cysts because they do not have the same biomechanical and anatomical predispositions as the wrist. Furthermore, while the lumbar spine can have cysts related to synovial issues, they are not as commonly described as those found in the wrist. Hence, the wrist or elbow is the region where synovial cysts are most frequently diagnosed and treated clinically.