The typical wrist ganglion

Occurrence of ganglion on the wrist in the scaphoid region in connection with protuberance of the scaphoid bone is statistically of high significance. As ganglions result from mucoid degeneration of connective tissue following microtraumata, the scaphoid protuberance may cause ganglion to appear most frequently at a localization above the scaphoid bone on the wrist. We suggest that this localization be called 'loco typico'.     

Prognosis of wrist ganglion operations

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the results of treatment of 40 wrist ganglia operated under local anesthesia over four years. The mean follow-up period was 27 months (range 6-48 months). There were 24 dorsal and 16 volar ganglia. The mean complication rate was 56% for volar ganglia, 12.5% for dorsal ganglia, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). The recurrence rates were 31.2% and 8.3%, respectively (mean 17.5%). There was evidence of nerve damage to the superficial branch of the radial nerve in one patient (dorsal cyst) and to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve in two patients (volar cysts). The mean nerve injury rate was 7.5%. In two patients with volar ganglia, the palmar superficial branch of the radial artery was lace-rated and had to be ligated. The significantly higher complication rate after excision of volar ganglia in contrast to dorsal ones might indicate that the former should be approached more carefully in contrast to dorsal ones and preferably by a senior surgeon.     

Patient outcomes following wrist ganglion excision surgery

We present patient outcomes following surgical excision of primary wrist ganglia over a 5 year period. Patients (48 of 59; 81%) responded to a questionnaire by post or telephone, with a mean time to follow-up of 44 (range 21-77) months. There was a statistically significant reduction in all reported symptoms, including pain, paraesthesia, weakness, stiffness, and cosmesis. The recurrence rate was 8%. In total, 98% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with treatment. Surgical excision of primary wrist ganglia may have advantages over aspiration and reassurance alone, particularly in reducing recurrence and hastening resolution of symptoms.     

Reevaluation of the cause of the wrist ganglion

The cause of the wrist ganglion is uncertain. We reviewed our experience with rotary subluxation of the scaphoid after ganglion excision. Seventeen patients had triscaphe arthrodesis for treatment of rotary subluxation of the scaphoid at an average of 35 months (range, 6 to 130 months) after ganglion excision. In addition, dynamic or static rotary subluxation of the scaphoid was found in 8 of 10 patients who were examined at an average of 16 years (range, 11 to 19 years) after excision of a ganglion. These patients had no symptoms at the time of review. Only single case reports of rotary subluxation of the scaphoid after ganglion excision have been previously reported. We believe our data supports a hypothesis that the ganglion is a secondary manifestation of underlying periscaphoid ligamentous injury. Persistent symptoms after ganglion excision should lead one to suspect underlying scaphoid instability.     

Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of dorsal wrist ganglion

Thirty-seven patients with dorsal wrist ganglia underwent arthroscopic resection. The mean follow-up was 20 months, and no complications were encountered. The ganglia were classified into three types according to their arthroscopic appearance. This classification helps to determine the amount of dorsal capsular resection required.     

Dorsal wrist ganglion: Current review of literature

Ganglion cyst is the most common soft tissue tumour of hand. Sixty to seventy percent of ganglion cysts are found in the dorsal aspect of the wrist. They may affect any age group; however they are more common in the twenties to forties. Its origin and pathogenesis remains enigmatic. Non-surgical treatment is unreliable with a high recurrence rates. Open surgical excision leads to unsightly scar and poor outcome. Arthroscopy excision has shown very promising result with very low recurrence rate. We reviewed the current literature available on dorsal wrist ganglion.     

腕关节骨内腱鞘囊肿的诊断与治疗

目的 探讨腕关节骨内腱鞘囊肿的临床特点和治疗方法。方法 1993年6月-2002年3月，收治11例腕关节骨内肿物患者，经手术证实为骨内腱鞘囊肿。总结该病的临床状及影像就特点，并回顾性分析性别、年龄及生长部位等因素与发病的关系。所有患者术后均获得随访，随访时间3-62个月，平均38个月。结果 腕关节骨内腱鞘囊肿好发于青壮年，男友比例为3:8，多为优势手发病，占72.7%。主要症状为腕关节疼痛，病程2-84个月。X线特点为腕骨内出现密度减低区，周围有硬化缘。CT及MR检查提示病灶内为密度均匀的液体。11例患者均接受手术治疗，术后8例疼痛消失，2例有轻度疼痛，但功能正常，另外1例无明显改善。结论 腕关节骨内腱鞘囊肿的诊断依赖于临床症状及影像学表现，确诊须依据术中所见及病理结果。手术治疗效果满意。     

The dorsal occult ganglion of the wrist and ultrasonography

In five cases of suspected occult ganglion on the back of the wrist, an ultrasonographic examination was performed. This revealed a small hypoechogenic area on the dorsal aspect between the scaphoid and the lunate or just dorsal to the lunate. Exploration of this area in three cases confirmed the presence of an occult ganglion. In the other two cases, further aspiration revealed traces of mucinous jelly at the tip of the needle.     

Method of surgical treatment of ganglion of the wrist

Comparative characteristic of the methods of treatment of patients with ganglion of the wrist has been carried out at the City Center of ambulatory surgery of the wrist since 1997 through 2006. A new method of surgical treatment is proposed which has been approved on 97 patients. No recurrences were noted during 5 years of follow-up.     

Intraosseous ganglion in the area of the wrist]

In the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions in bones, the intraosseous ganglion must be included. These tumor-like lesion is rare in the carpus, but often the cause of therapy-resistant pain. Four patients with intraosseous ganglion in the carpus are presented. This bone disease is treated by curettage and bone grafting. Postoperative prognosis is good.     

Long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction following wrist ganglion aspiration

BACKGROUND:There is a strong body of evidence addressing short-term outcomes following wrist ganglion aspiration; however, few studies have investigated long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate patient satisfaction and the long-term rate of recurrence following wrist ganglion aspiration.METHODS:Charts of all patients with a wrist ganglion treated by a single surgeon from 2001 to 2011 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from patient charts. Patients were contacted by telephone and asked to complete a questionnaire addressing recurrence, satisfaction and symptom improvement. Improvement was assessed using a Likert scale, with 1 indicating ‘significantly worse’ and 5 indicating ‘significantly improved’. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson χ², Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon and Fisher’s exact tests.RESULTS:Forty-one consecutive patients were identified using hospital records; 21 (51%) consented to the telephone questionnaire. There were no differences in demographic or clinical data between patients who completed the telephone questionnaire and those who did not. The mean age at treatment was 45.3 years, mean time to follow-up was 6.3 years and 52.4% of ganglions recurred. Overall, 95% (20 of 21) of patients were satisfied with their treatment and would proceed again given the option; satisfaction was independent of recurrence. Following treatment, there was improvement in pain, function, range of motion and appearance; improvement in symptoms was independent of recurrence.CONCLUSIONS:Long-term recurrence of ganglions treated with aspiration appeared to be similar to the short-term rates reported in the literature. Independent of recurrence, patients remained satisfied with aspiration and reported improvement in symptoms.     

腕关节镜辅助治疗腕骨内腱鞘囊肿

目的：探讨腕关节镜治疗腕骨内腱鞘囊肿的方法及疗效。方法2013年5月—2014年5月,应用腕关节镜治疗腕骨内腱鞘囊肿5例,其中月骨3例,舟骨1例,三角骨1例。主要症状为腕部不适、疼痛,伴握力下降和活动度降低。 X线平片及CT显示腕骨内圆形或类圆形骨密度减低区,边界清楚,有硬化缘。 MRI显示病灶内为液体。采用腕关节镜下病灶刮除＋自体松质骨或注射型人工骨移植术治疗,术后腕关节功能位固定3周。结果5例均获得随访,平均6.8个月。所有病例无复发,植骨愈合满意。患者腕关节疼痛及不适症状明显缓解,术后均恢复正常的生活工作。结论腕关节骨内腱鞘囊肿是慢性腕关节疼痛原因之一,腕关节镜技术在腕骨内腱鞘囊肿的治疗中,手术方法安全,并发症少,功能恢复快,手术效果满意。     

The volar wrist ganglion: just a simple cyst?

The results of operation on 71 volar wrist ganglia are reported. The recurrence rate was 28%, occurring between 1 and 144 months (median: 5 months). The highest risk of recurrence is in a male patient, under 30 years of age, in a manual occupation, operated on by a junior surgeon. The use of a post-operative plaster slab seemed to be followed by significant wrist stiffness. 28% of the patients had evidence of damage to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. It is suggested that this could be avoided by positive identification of this nerve at operation.     

Volar wrist ganglion excision through the flexor carpi radialis sheath

Volar wrist ganglions are much less frequent than their dorsal counterparts but provide much more surgical trepidation due to their proximity to the radial artery. With the majority arising from the radiocarpal joint, we have found that entering the flexor carpi radialis sheath and accessing the ganglion through the floor of the sheath allows for a relatively safe excision of these benign hand tumors.     

Relationship between dorsal ganglion cysts of the wrist and intraosseous ganglion cysts of the carpal bones

Soft tissue ganglion cysts are the most common benign tumours of the wrist; their pathogenesis remains controversial. We prospectively screened the radiographic appearance of the wrists of 51 patients presenting to a single surgeon with dorsal wrist ganglions during a one-year period. Postero-anterior and lateral radiographs were systematically performed looking for possible associated intraosseous ganglion cysts. There were 51 dorsal soft tissue ganglion cysts in 51 patients. We detected 29 associated intraosseous ganglia in 24 patients (47%): 16 ganglia in the lunate bone (55%), 5 in the capitate bone, 7 in the scaphoid and 1 in the trapezoid. Mean size of the intraosseous ganglia was 3 mm (range, 2 to 5 mm). This high prevalence of intraosseous ganglia in association with soft tissue ganglia has to our knowledge never been reported previously. A common aetiology for these two types of ganglion cysts may explain this high association rate.     

Occult scapholunate ganglion: a cause of dorsal radial wrist pain

There are multiple causes for chronic dorsal wrist pain over the scapholunate ligament, including occult dorsal carpal ganglion cyst, scaphoid impaction syndrome, dorsal carpal capsulitis, distal posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, and dynamic scapholunate ligament instability. Patients with such pain often have normal x-rays. A retrospective study of 21 patients undergoing surgical exploration for chronic dorsal radial wrist pain who had no palpable cyst and normal x-rays revealed that 18 of the patients had occult scapholunate ganglion cysts or myxomatous degeneration within the scapholunate ligament. All had failed long-term conservative management. Surgery involved an approach through Langer's lines, resection of a large triangular portion of the capsule between the dorsal intercarpal and radiotriquetral ligaments, and tangential debridement of the area of myxoid degeneration proximal to the distal 2 to 3 mm of dorsal scapholunate interosseous ligament. None of the patients had scapholunate instability or scaphoid impacting syndrome. Of the 18 patients with histologically confirmed myxomatous changes in the scapholunate ligament, 16 had an excellent outcome as defined by rigorous criteria; 1 had a good outcome. There was 1 patient with a poor result. A compelling argument is made for surgical exploration of the scapholunate joint in patients with persistent dorsal radial wrist pain and scapholunate point tenderness.