Wrist Ganglion Cysts

Understanding Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are lumps that can commonly develop in the hand, wrist, and fingers. They may be painless, but often times can be quite painful depending on their location. They are usually emanating from a joint and filled with clear gelatinous synovial fluid. Aspiration of some cysts can be attempted in the office, but often times they will recur if the cyst sac and stalk are not surgically excised. If the cyst is deep it may require imaging with MRI and surgical excision may be the best option to excised the cyst and eliminate pain.

Ganglion Cyst Excision

Excision of a ganglion cyst is usually done with a small open procedure and on some occasions is done arthroscopically depending on the cysts location. Once the cyst is located instruments are used to excise the cyst and sac all the way down to the stalk to ensure that it will not recur. Generally you will wear a small splint for the first week after surgery and thereafter you will begin to regain your motion and strength.