Arthroscopic ganglionectomy of the foot and ankle

Purpose

To study the efficacy of arthroscopic ganglionectomy in the management of ganglia of the foot and ankle.

Methods

From 2006 to 2010, arthroscopic ganglionectomy was performed for 89 ganglia in the foot and ankle of 88 patients. Clinical and intra-operative details were reviewed retrospectively.

Result

Ganglion stalk was identified in 6 % of the cases. The overall rate of presence of pathology was 26 %. The overall rate of recurrence or residual lesion was 12 % with high recurrent rate for extensor tendon ganglia and toe pulp ganglia.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic ganglionectomy of the foot and ankle ganglion by either internal drainage or complete resection is a feasible approach. Good results can be achieved in case of adequate internal drainage of the ganglion to the joints or fibrous tendon sheath.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic, Level IV.