Purpose
To determine the safety and efficacy of ultrasound (US)‐guided percutaneous treatment of volar radiocarpal ganglion cysts.
Methods
The institutional review board approved the retrospective study of patients referred for US‐guided percutaneous treatment of a volar radiocarpal ganglion cyst over a 5‐year period. Treatment consisted of a combination of aspiration, lavage using anesthetic, wall fenestration, and steroid injection. Intraprocedural imaging and procedure notes were reviewed. Followup information was retrieved from postprocedure electronic medical records.
Results
Eighty‐eight patients comprised our study group. Complete decompression of the ganglion cyst was achieved in 92% of cases immediately after treatment. There were no instances of hematoma or infection. Of 38 patients with available followup information, 66% had a ganglion cyst recurrence at a median time of 9 months, regardless of their initial size or the injection of steroids. Cysts with internal septa had a statistically significantly higher rate of recurrence (P = 0.033).
Conclusions
US‐guided percutaneous treatment of volar radiocarpal ganglion cysts is safe and ensures immediate decompression in most cases. However, cysts may recur, even after steroid injection or lavage.