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Anterior wrist ganglion
T W Wright1, W P Cooney, D M Ilstrup
1Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Surgical excision is recommended for anterior wrist ganglions due to high recurrence rates with aspiration and injection. While nonoperative treatment may offer temporary symptom relief, surgery provides a more definitive solution for these wrist ganglions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Anterior wrist ganglions are common cystic swellings.
- Treatment options include aspiration/injection and surgical excision.
- Recurrence rates and effectiveness of different treatments require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of aspiration and injection versus surgical excision for anterior wrist ganglions.
- To determine recurrence rates associated with each treatment modality.
- To identify common origins of anterior wrist ganglions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 84 patients with anterior wrist ganglions.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes (recurrence rates) for aspiration/injection and surgical excision.
- Average follow-up period of 5 years.
Main Results:
- Aspiration and injection in 24 patients resulted in 20 recurrences.
- A second aspiration/injection led to universal recurrence.
- Surgical excision in 72 patients had 14 recurrences.
- Two of four patients with recurrent ganglions had successful re-excision.
- Common origins identified at the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid and radiocarpal joints.
Conclusions:
- Surgical excision is the recommended primary treatment for anterior wrist ganglions due to lower recurrence rates.
- Aspiration and injection may offer palliative symptom relief but is associated with high recurrence.
- Understanding ganglion origin aids in surgical planning and management.