Surgery for wrist ganglia: one-hundred and twenty-two patients reviewed 8 years after operation

Abstract

Wrist ganglia give few symptoms, but are a common reason for referral to a hand surgeon. We studied patient long-term satisfaction after operation. We reviewed 122 patients, who were operated for dorsal (n=82) and volar (n=40) wrist ganglia 8 years before (range 3-11). Three radial arteries were injured during surgery for volar a ganglion. By the time of review 33 patients (27%) had a recurrence or had been re-operated. Radical surgery did not reduce the recurrence rate significantly. Reported general complaints from the wrist improved from a mean visual analogue scores (VAS, 0=best; 100= worst) of 56 before surgery to VAS 14 at review and unsightliness from VAS 50 to VAS 14. Patients were equally happy with transverse and longitudinal scars. Ten patients (8%) stated that they would not have consented to surgery if they had known the outcome in advance. We conclude that, in spite of a high recurrence rate, most patients are happy with the results of surgery.

Endoscopic Ganglionectomy of the Volar Radial Wrist Ganglion

“…They may occur after trauma to the wrist causing a small tear in the volar joint capsule. 1 Because of the tear, the joint fluid escapes and the body builds a small shell around the fluid, forming the ganglion cyst. 1 For painful volar ganglion, aspiration or surgical techniques may be used.…”

“… 1 Because of the tear, the joint fluid escapes and the body builds a small shell around the fluid, forming the ganglion cyst. 1 For painful volar ganglion, aspiration or surgical techniques may be used. A total of 74% of patients have no recurrence after one treatment with needle aspiration.…”

“…A total of 74% of patients have no recurrence after one treatment with needle aspiration. 1 However, aspiration can cause injury to the blood vessels, nerves, or tendons. With surgery, the volar ganglion cyst is completely excised along with part of the joint capsule.…”

“…With surgery, the volar ganglion cyst is completely excised along with part of the joint capsule. 1 Recurrence rate is lower if part of the joint capsule is excised, as there may be smaller developing ganglia located there. 1 Arthroscopic ganglionectomy of the wrist ganglion has been reported, and most of them involve elimination of the valvular mechanism and internal drainage of the ganglion fluid to the wrist joint.…”

“… 1 Recurrence rate is lower if part of the joint capsule is excised, as there may be smaller developing ganglia located there. 1 Arthroscopic ganglionectomy of the wrist ganglion has been reported, and most of them involve elimination of the valvular mechanism and internal drainage of the ganglion fluid to the wrist joint. 2 , 3 , 4 The access of the ganglion sac is limited especially for a multiloculated cyst.…”