Pediatric ganglion cysts of the hand and wrist: an epidemiologic analysis

We analyzed all hand and wrist ganglions in patients aged 12 years and younger that were treated at our institution during a 3-year period. Our patients were predominately female (1.8:1). Volar ganglions were more common (1.2:1), whereas dorsal ganglions have been reported to be more common in adults. Ganglions had a higher incidence of arising from tendon sheaths in our patients (33%) compared to what has been previously reported for ganglions in studies of all age groups (5% to 16%). While observation and/or splinting alone will likely be helpful in resolution of a majority of pediatric hand and wrist ganglions, surgical excision should be employed in those that are symptomatic and/or do not resolve with observation.