Ganglion Cysts
epetitive hand activities can put unusual stresses upon the wrist.
Occassionally there may be a painful lump develop on the top or bottom side of this
joint. It may start out hard or soft, painful or slightly numb. The lump can even
vary in size depending upon work activities. Eventually, however, it becomes larger,
more tender, and begins interfering with hand function.
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These ganglion cysts arise from an area of weakness in the joint capsule and are filled with a clear fluid which "leaks" from the wrist joint. Initially, they can be treated by needle drainage, but recurrence rates after this treatment are often 50% or more. If the cysts do recur, they are then treated by surgical excision. An incision is placed over the cyst, the cyst is isolated, and the stalk is tracked down into the wrist joint. The joint capsule is reapproximated, the skin closed, and the wrist immobilied. It may be 1-2 weeks before the hand returns to normal activities. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia in the hospital, but patients are discharged the same day. |
Cross-section of a wrist, showing the ganglion cyst and its root. |
Other Hand Surgeries:
|Carpal Tunnel Syndrome|
|Dupuytren's Contracture|
|Trigger Fingers|
|Ganglion Cysts|