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This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview¶

Epidemiology and Natural History¶

• The dorsal wrist ganglion is the prototype of all hand and wrist ganglions, accounting for 60% to 70% of all hand and wrist ganglions [1].
• The volar wrist ganglion is the second most common ganglion of the hand and wrist, accounting for 18% to 20% of cases [7].
• Pediatric ganglions of the hand have a greater rate of resolution than ganglions of the wrist [2].
• Observation and/or splinting will likely be helpful in the resolution of a majority of pediatric hand and wrist ganglions [17].
• There is no consensus within the literature regarding the best management of pediatric wrist ganglia, and no single treatment modality confers a particular advantage or disadvantage over another [11].

Clinical Characteristics and Diagnosis¶

• The main cyst of a dorsal wrist ganglion is usually located directly over the scapholunate ligament [1].
• Dorsal wrist ganglions may occur anywhere else between the extensor tendons and can be connected to the scapholunate ligament through an elongated pedicle [1].
• Careful preoperative palpation of a dorsal wrist ganglion with digital compression often reveals its extent and the direction of the pedicle [1].
• Transillumination or aspiration confirms the diagnosis of a dorsal wrist ganglion preoperatively [1].
• Review of preoperative radiographs is recommended to rule out an interosseous component in dorsal wrist ganglions [1].
• The majority of volar wrist ganglions occur either directly over the distal edge of the radius or slightly more distally over the scaphoid tubercle [7].
• Volar wrist ganglions arising from the radiocarpal joint occur under the volar wrist crease between the flexor carpi radialis and abductor pollicis longus tendons [7].
• The main cyst of a volar wrist ganglion may be intertwined with bifurcating branches of the radial artery [7].
• Volar wrist ganglions may appear small clinically but can be surprisingly extensive at surgery, with multiloculated cysts extending under the thenar muscles, along the flexor carpi radialis tendon, into the carpal canal, and under the first extensor compartment [7].
• The Allen test should be performed routinely to assess the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries before volar wrist ganglion surgery [7].
• Routine wrist radiography is not cost-effective in the evaluation and treatment decision-making process for patients with a wrist ganglion due to a low prevalence of therapeutically significant findings [4].

Operative Treatment: Dorsal Wrist Ganglion¶

• Most dorsal wrist ganglions can be approached through a transverse incision over the proximal carpal row [1].
• A modified incision or second transverse incision may be necessary for dorsal ganglions not directly over the scapholunate ligament [1].
• The diagnosis of ganglion cyst should be made before commitment to a transverse incision because this type of incision is not readily incorporated into a limb-sparing incision in the event of a subsequent diagnosis of a malignant soft tissue tumor [1].
• Failure to identify and excise the pedicle attachment to the scapholunate ligament increases the likelihood of recurrence in dorsal wrist ganglions [1].
• The main cyst and its pedicle are mobilized down to the underlying joint capsule, which is opened along the border of the radius and scaphoid's proximal pole with the wrist in volar flexion [1].
• A small, mucin-filled duct is invariably seen piercing the transverse fibers of the scapholunate ligament, connecting the underlying scapholunate joint with the main cyst [1].
• The ganglion and its capsular attachments are tangentially excised off the scapholunate ligament [1].
• Arthroscopic resection of dorsal wrist ganglions is supported as a treatment option based on outcomes, recurrence, and complication rates over a minimum follow-up of 4 years [16].
• Arthroscopic ganglionectomy through an intrafocal cystic portal is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of painful wrist ganglia [26].
• Routine midcarpal joint exploration during arthroscopic excision of dorsal wrist ganglions appeared to reduce recurrence at 1 year without negatively impacting patient outcomes [9].
• The ideal working portal for arthroscopic excision of a dorsal wrist ganglion is the 3-4 portal with visualization from the 4-5 or 6R portals [21].

Operative Treatment: Volar Wrist Ganglion¶

• The surgical technique for excision of a volar ganglion is similar to that for a dorsal ganglion, but exposure and precise identification of the capsular attachments are more difficult [7].
• Longitudinal incisions allow for optimal visualization during volar wrist ganglion excision [7].
• The radial artery is frequently intimately attached to the wall of a volar ganglion and may even be completely encircled by the ganglion [7].
• Loupe magnification aids in the dissection of the radial artery from a volar ganglion [7].
• The pedicle of a volar ganglion is traced to the volar joint capsule, usually the scaphotrapezial or radiocarpal ligament [7].
• The incision for volar wrist ganglion excision must be planned to allow for extension into the carpal tunnel or base of the thenar muscles [7].
• Arthroscopic resection of radiocarpal volar ganglia is a reasonable alternative to open excision with decreased postoperative morbidity, easy technique, and high rate of good results [31].
• Sonography-assisted arthroscopic resection is safer and more reliable for treating volar wrist ganglia [6].
• The best indication for arthroscopic volar wrist ganglionotomy is a sessile type of volar wrist ganglion arising from the radiocarpal joint and centered on the proximal wrist crease [10].
• Mobile ganglia with long pedicles are poor candidates for arthroscopic surgery of the volar wrist [10].
• Preoperative ultrasound scanning helps to confirm the articular origin and nature of a volar wrist ganglion cystic mass [10].
• An intraoperative arthrogram can identify the stalk of a volar ganglion arising from the radiocarpal joint, with absence of demonstrable contrast filling the stalk precluding the use of the arthroscopic technique [10].
• Ganglia arising from the midcarpal joint or scaphotrapezial (STT) joint will not be revealed by an arthrogram of the radiocarpal joint unless an interosseous ligament at the proximal carpal row is ruptured [10].
• The radioscaphocapitate and long radiolunate ligament interval may be the site of origin for the volar wrist ganglion [21].

Outcomes and Complications¶

• Surgical excision of primary wrist ganglia significantly reduces patient symptoms with low recurrence rates and high patient satisfaction [12].
• Open surgical excision offers a significantly lower chance of recurrence compared with aspiration in the treatment of wrist ganglions [32].
• Female patients who have preoperative pain around dorsal wrist ganglia were the most likely to have residual pain after surgery [3].
• Unexpected branches of the radial sensory or lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves may be injured during volar wrist ganglion excision, leading to troublesome neuromas [7].
• Extensions of the routine incision into the carpal canal must avoid injury to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve during volar wrist ganglion excision [7].
• Injuries to the radial artery during volar wrist ganglion excision can be repaired microscopically [7].
• Some authors recommend leaving a portion of the cyst wall attached to the radial artery to avoid arterial injury during volar wrist ganglion excision [7].
• Stiffness of the wrist is less common with volar ganglions than with dorsal ganglions, but it can occur if early motion is not encouraged [7].
• Curved incisions appear to consistently provide more attractive scars, especially near the volar wrist creases [7].
• Wrist arthroscopy is typically safe, with minor and transient complications [21].
• Nerve injury during wrist arthroscopy is related to portal placement or suture of the TFCC and typically affects the dorsal sensory branch of the radial or ulnar nerve [21].
• The superficial branch of the radial nerve averages 16 mm (5 to 22 mm) from the 3-4 portal [21].
• The dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve averages 8 mm (0 to 14 mm) from the 6R portal [21].
• The 1-2 portal carries a high risk of injury to the superficial branch of the radial nerve [21].
• The 6U portal carries a high risk of injury to the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve [21].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶

Dorsal Wrist Ganglion¶

• The dorsal wrist ganglion accounts for 60% to 70% of all hand and wrist ganglions [1].
• Dorsal wrist ganglions may occur anywhere else between the extensor tendons, connected to the scapholunate ligament through an elongated pedicle [1].
• Failure to identify and excise the pedicle attachment to the scapholunate ligament increases the likelihood of recurrence [1].
• Dorsal wrist ganglions can be confused with carpal bosses, which are osteoarthritic spurs or prominences that develop at the base of the second or third carpometacarpal joints [18].
• A small ganglion is associated with a carpal boss in 30% of cases [18].
• Arthroscopic assessment found abnormalities in the scapholunate joint in 10 of 16 wrists with painful dorsal ganglia [78].
• In most cases of dorsal wrist ganglion, there is a mild chronic sprain of the scapholunate ligament which does not give rise to well-recognised radiological and clinical features associated with scapholunate instability [78].

Volar Wrist Ganglion¶

• The majority of volar ganglions occur either directly over the distal edge of the radius or slightly more distally over the scaphoid tubercle [7].
• Volar ganglions arising from the distal edge of the radius arise from the capsular and ligamentous fibers of the radiocarpal joint and occur under the volar wrist crease between the flexor carpi radialis and abductor pollicis longus tendons [7].
• Volar ganglions arising from the scaphoid tubercle arise from the capsule of the scaphotrapezial joint [7].
• The main cyst of a volar ganglion may be intertwined with bifurcating branches of the radial artery [7].
• Volar ganglions can be multiloculated, extending under the thenar muscles, along the flexor carpi radialis tendon, into the carpal canal, and under the first extensor compartment [7].
• Ganglia arising from the interval between the radioscapocapitate (RSC) and long radiolunate ligament (LRL) appear at the more lateral aspect of the distal radius on arthrogram [10].
• Ganglia arising from the interval between the long radiolunate ligament (LRL) and short radiolunate ligament (SRL) appear at a more central position of the distal radius on arthrogram [10].
• Ganglia arising from the midcarpal or scaphotrapezial (STT) joint will not be revealed by an arthrogram of the radiocarpal joint unless an interosseous ligament at the proximal carpal row is ruptured [10].

General Pathophysiology & Anatomy¶

• The articular (synovial) theory has gained worldwide acceptance as a scientifically proven explanation for the formation of ganglions [22].
• Intraneural ganglions of the hand and wrist are rare, with the ulnar nerve being the most commonly involved nerve in the upper extremity [22].
• The wrist is an anatomic region between the forearm and the hand, including the distal radioulnar, radiocarpal, and ulnocarpal joints and the eight carpal bones [37].
• The carpus comprises eight ossicles separated into a proximal row (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform) and a distal row (trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate) [39].
• The scapholunate interosseous ligament is C-shaped in the sagittal plane, with the dorsal third being the thickest and strongest portion [39].
• The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is formed by the central meniscus homolog, dorsal and volar radioulnar ligaments, the floor of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon sheath, and volar ulnocarpal ligaments [39].
• The terminal branches of the radial, ulnar, and anterior interosseous arteries provide extraosseous blood supply to the carpus through three dorsal and three palmar transverse arterial arches [41].
• The dorsal radiocarpal ligament originates at the dorsal lip of the distal radius adjacent to Lister's tubercle and inserts into the lunate and triquetrum [39].
• The proximal carpal row has no muscular or tendinous attachments and functions as an intercalary segment [39].

Classification¶

Anatomical Location and Prevalence¶

• Dorsal wrist ganglions typically appear between the extensor pollicis longus and extensor digitorum communis tendons [1].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 57% occurred over the dorsal aspect of the wrist [77].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 17% occurred over the volar aspect of the wrist [77].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 26% occurred on the fingers [77].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 7% were mucous cysts [77].
• Ganglions in pediatric populations most commonly affect the dorsal wrist [14].
• In children aged <10 years, ganglions mainly occur on the volar wrist [8].

Demographics¶

• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, there were 363 females and 180 males, an almost 2 to 1 ratio [77].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 80% of patients were between twenty and fifty years of age [77].
• Ganglions in pediatric populations demonstrate a female predilection [14].
• Most patients with intraneural ganglions are aged 30 to 50 years [22].
• The incidence of dorsal wrist ganglia was higher in the military compared with the civilian population [13].

Size and Duration¶

• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 90% were less than two centimeters in diameter [77].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 50% were between 0.5 and 2.0 centimeters in diameter [77].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, the majority had been present for less than two years [77].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 150 had been present for less than three months [77].
• In a cohort of 543 ganglions, 99 had been present for more than five years [77].

Clinical Presentation¶

• Only one-fourth of patients in a cohort of 543 ganglions complained of pain when first seen [77].
• All patients in a cohort of 543 ganglions complained of a mass or lump in an extremity [77].
• Specific injury related to the onset of ganglion occurred in only fifty patients in a cohort of 543 [77].
• Most patients with intraneural ganglions present with a painless mass [22].
• Some patients with intraneural ganglions present with symptoms of nerve irritation or entrapment neuropathy [22].

Subtypes and Variants¶

• Intraneural ganglions of the hand and wrist are rare [22].
• The ulnar nerve is the most commonly involved nerve in intraneural ganglions of the upper extremity [22].
• The development of a trigger wrist is atypical, with multiple causes for its development [24].

Clinical Presentation¶

Dorsal Wrist Ganglion¶

• MRI scans provide relatively good reliability in establishing the diagnosis of an occult dorsal wrist ganglion, with a sensitivity of 83% when using intra-operative findings as the standard [15].

Volar Wrist Ganglion¶

• Volar ganglions arising from the radiocarpal joint occur under the volar wrist crease between the flexor carpi radialis and abductor pollicis longus tendons [7].
• Although volar ganglions may appear small clinically, they can be surprisingly extensive at surgery, potentially extending under the thenar muscles, along the flexor carpi radialis tendon, into the carpal canal, and under the first extensor compartment [7].
• Extensions of volar ganglions can often be appreciated preoperatively by careful palpation and digital compression [7].
• The Allen test should be performed routinely to assess the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries in patients with volar wrist ganglions [7].

Pediatric Ganglions¶

• In children aged <10 years, 69% to 79% of volar wrist ganglions display spontaneous regression within a span of 12-18 months [8].
• Ganglions in pediatric populations most commonly affect the dorsal wrist and demonstrate a female predilection [14].
• In a child with a wrist ganglion, if the cyst ultimately resolved, it usually did so within 18 months [29].

General Clinical Features and Diagnosis¶

• Most patients with intraneural ganglions are aged 30 to 50 years, though occurrence in children has also been reported [22].
• Most patients with intraneural ganglions present with a painless mass, while some may present with symptoms of nerve irritation or entrapment neuropathy [22].
• The ulnar nerve is the most commonly involved nerve in the upper extremity for intraneural ganglions [22].
• In patients with a clinical diagnosis of wrist ganglion cyst, the prevalence of a concordant pathological diagnosis is 98.6% [45].
• The prevalence of a discrepant pathological diagnosis in wrist ganglion specimens is 1.4%, and the prevalence of a discordant diagnosis is zero [45].

Investigations¶

Clinical Examination and Physical Diagnosis¶

• Careful preoperative palpation of a dorsal wrist ganglion with digital compression often reveals the extent of the cyst and the direction of the pedicle [1].
• A firm, bony, nonmobile, tender mass visible and palpable at the base of the carpometacarpal joints, especially when the wrist is flexed, is characteristic of a carpal boss [18].
• Sonography can localize occult ganglia [68].

Radiography¶

• Review of preoperative radiographs is wise to rule out an interosseous component in dorsal wrist ganglions [1].
• A carpal boss mass is best visualized radiologically with the hand in 30 to 40 degrees of supination and 20 to 30 degrees of ulnar deviation [18].

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)¶

• MRI is an excellent diagnostic modality to evaluate rapidly growing upper extremity masses and distinguish ganglions from malignant processes [54].
• Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can detect ganglion cysts in wrist MRI [66].
• A lipoma or a ganglion can be clearly differentiated from dense tumors using CT scan, though it is difficult to be sure whether the tumor is benign or malignant [70].

Arthrography¶

• A wrist arthrogram can be performed immediately prior to arthroscopic intervention or as a separate investigative procedure for volar wrist ganglions [10].
• Intraoperative arthrogram of a ganglion arising from the radiocarpal joint involves injecting 3 to 5 cc of nonionic contrast solution admixed with 2% lidocaine into the radiocarpal joint at the 3-4 portal site under fluoroscopic guidance [10].
• Absence of demonstrable contrast filling the stalk with communication from the radiocarpal joint may preclude the use of arthroscopic volar wrist ganglionotomy [10].
• Ganglia arising from the interval between the RSC and LRL ligaments show up at the more lateral aspect of the distal radius on arthrogram, while those arising from the interval between the LRL and SRL ligaments show up at a more central position [10].
• Ganglia arising from the midcarpal joint or STT joint will not be revealed by arthrogram of the radiocarpal joint unless an interosseous ligament at the proximal carpal row is ruptured and creates free communication between the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints [10].

Treatment¶

Non-Operative Management¶

• The spontaneous resolution rate for wrist ganglia is reported to be between 28% and 58% [50].
• Aspiration, with or without cortisone injection, has an average success rate of 35% to 50% [50].
• In children aged <10 years, ganglions mainly occur on the volar wrist and can be treated expectantly, with 69% to 79% displaying spontaneous regression within a span of 12-18 months [8].
• Surgical excision is indicated for pediatric ganglions that are symptomatic, do not resolve after approximately 2 months of observation and/or splinting, or recur [17].
• Aspiration with triamcinolone acetonide injection plus wrist immobilization is an alternative method, but surgery was the most successful form of treatment when considering the cure rate of dorsal wrist ganglion [46].
• Open surgical excision offers significantly lower chance of recurrence compared with aspiration in the treatment of wrist ganglions [32].
• It is important to ascertain the precise concerns of patients with ganglia and not assume that they attend the hand clinic with symptoms which justify surgical excision [33].

Operative Management: Dorsal Wrist Ganglion¶

• Failure to identify the pedicle and excise its attachment to the scapholunate ligament increases the likelihood of recurrence [1].
• Careful preoperative palpation of the cyst with digital compression often reveals its extent and the direction of the pedicle [1].
• Transillumination or aspiration confirms the diagnosis preoperatively [1].
• Review of the patient's preoperative radiographs to rule out an interosseous component is wise [1].
• The study concludes that routinely performing wrist radiography is not cost-effective in the evaluation and treatment decision-making process for patients with a wrist ganglion due to a low prevalence of therapeutically significant findings [4].
• Most dorsal ganglions can be approached through a transverse incision over the proximal carpal row [1].
• A modified incision or second transverse incision may be necessary for ganglions not directly over the scapholunate ligament [1].
• Typically, a dorsal ganglion appears between the extensor pollicis longus and extensor digitorum communis tendons, which are retracted radially and ulnarly, respectively [1].
• The main cyst and its pedicle are mobilized down to the underlying joint capsule [1].
• With the wrist in volar flexion, the joint capsule is opened along the border of the radius and scaphoid's proximal pole [1].
• The capsule is elevated and retracted distally to expose the capsular attachments to the scapholunate ligament [1].
• Smaller intraarticular cysts are often seen attached to the scapholunate ligament [1].
• The capsular incision is continued around the ganglion, but all capsular attachments to the ligament are left intact [1].
• The capsular incision is extended more laterally if any capsular ducts, which can be identified by small amounts of mucin drainage, are encountered during the dissection [1].
• The ganglion and its capsular attachments are then tangentially excised off the scapholunate ligament [1].
• A small, mucin-filled duct is invariably seen piercing the transverse fibers of the scapholunate ligament [1].
• This duct appears to connect the underlying scapholunate joint with the main cyst [1].
• Synovial and capsular attachments along the distal margin of the scapholunate ligament are also excised to give an unobstructed view of the head and neck of the capitate [1].
• If the ganglion ruptures and its anatomic features are lost during the dissection, it should [1].
• The outcomes, recurrence, and complications rates after 4 years of follow-up presented in this study support the use of arthroscopy as a treatment for dorsal wrist ganglion [16].
• Nine of 54 (16.7%) arthroscopic excisions resulted in cyst recurrence, while 8 of 118 (6.8%) open excisions resulted in cyst recurrence (P = .044) [19].
• Two of 9 (22%) recurrences after arthroscopic ganglion excision versus 2 of 8 (25%) recurrences after open ganglion excision underwent repeat surgical intervention [19].
• Time to recurrence, as well as final follow-up, was not statistically different between groups in the comparison of arthroscopic and open excision [19].
• The proposed classification of ganglia helps minimize the area of resection required [25].
• Recurrence of the wrist ganglion cyst occurred in five patients (9%) in a cohort of 53 patients undergoing arthroscopic resection [58].
• PRWE scores were significantly higher in patients with a recurrence (30 vs. 12, p = 0.002) [58].
• Patients initially presenting with a new ganglion cyst had fewer recurrences at final follow-up compared with patients initially presenting with recurrence (4 vs. 15%, respectively) [58].
• Three of the 53 patients (6%) had a complication in the arthroscopic resection cohort [58].
• One patient experienced neuropraxia of the radial superficial nerve, which resolved spontaneously [58].
• One patient developed extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendinitis which was successfully treated with splinting [58].
• One patient experienced painful scar tissue, which was successfully removed surgically [58].
• Three of the five recurrences occurred among the first five patients operated on, whereas two recurrences occurred later in the series [58].
• The systematic review and survey of Canadian hand surgeons reveal that hand surgeons are divided regarding the need to immobilize the wrist after dorsal wrist ganglion excision [60].
• Patients are seen in the office approximately 5 to 7 days after arthroscopic surgery, at which time the dressing and splint are taken down and the incisions are inspected [61].
• Sutures are typically removed at the first postoperative visit [61].
• Patients are then allowed to begin active and passive wrist motion, and no further splinting is used [61].
• The patients have no restrictions in terms of activity or weight lifting after arthroscopic ganglion excision [61].
• The patients are seen back at 4 to 8 weeks postoperatively for a repeat clinical evaluation [61].
• Recurrence rates following arthroscopic excision of dorsal ganglions have been reported from 0% to 17% [61].
• In a study of 18 patients undergoing arthroscopic excision of dorsal ganglions, the stalk could be identified in 61% of the cases, and the reported number of recurrences at an average of 16 months was 0 [61].
• In a study of 30 patients, the ability to identify the stalk was 79% of cases, and 2 of the patients had a recurrence at the final follow-up [61].
• Edwards and Johansen reported a 0% recurrence in their study of 45 patients and were able to identify the stalk in only 16% of the cases [61].

Operative Management: Volar Wrist Ganglion¶

• The volar wrist ganglion is the second most common ganglion of the hand and wrist, accounting for 18% to 20% [7].
• The main cyst may be intertwined with bifurcating branches of the radial artery, thus making delicate dissection imperative [7].
• Another type of volar ganglion arises from the capsule of the scaphotrapezial joint [7].
• Although volar ganglions may appear small clinically, they can be surprisingly extensive at surgery [7].
• Multiloculated cysts extending under the thenar muscles, along the flexor carpi radialis tendon, into the carpal canal, and under the first extensor compartment adjacent to the dorsal branch of the radial artery and as far dorsally as the first web space may be encountered [7].
• These extensions can often be appreciated preoperatively by careful palpation and digital compression of the ganglion [7].
• It is important to assess the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries [7].
• The Allen test should be performed routinely and ulnar artery occlusion excluded [7].
• The surgeon must be aware of the importance of preserving the radial artery, particularly in patients with a radial-dominant circulation [7].
• The surgical technique of excision of a volar ganglion is similar to that for a dorsal ganglion, but exposure and precise identification of the capsular attachments of a volar ganglion are more difficult [7].
• The incision must be planned to allow for extension into the carpal tunnel or base of the thenar muscles [7].
• Longitudinal incisions allow for optimal visualization [7].
• With the skin flaps retracted, the forearm fascia is incised longitudinally and the dome of the cyst identified and mobilized [7].
• Particular care should be taken to identify and protect the radial artery, which is frequently intimately attached to the wall of the ganglion and may even be completely encircled by the ganglion [7].
• Loupe magnification aids in this dissection [7].
• The pedicle is traced to the volar joint capsule (usually the scaphotrapezial or radiocarpal ligament) [7].
• The joint is opened and explored and the ganglion attachments are excised (approximately 3 ± 4 mm) [7].
• Once the ganglion has been excised, the surrounding tissues can be compressed digitally to rule out further mucin-filled pockets [7].
• If unidentified extensions are present, they must be excised [7].
• Hemostasis, wound lavage, and a simple skin closure (preferably subcuticular) complete the operation [7].
• Capsular closure is unnecessary and only delays early mobilization [7].
• A bulky bandage and elevation of the hand ensure early postoperative comfort [7].
• Motion of the wrist should begin within the first 2 weeks after surgery [7].
• Unexpected branches of the radial sensory or lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves may be injured and lead to troublesome neuromas [7].
• Extensions of the routine incision into the carpal canal must avoid injury to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve [7].
• Injuries to the radial artery can be repaired microscopically [7].
• Some authors recommend leaving a portion of the cyst wall attached to the artery to avoid arterial injury [7].
• Stiffness of the wrist is less common than with dorsal ganglions, but it can occur if early motion is not encouraged [7].
• Unpleasant scars are not an uncommon problem [7].
• The best indication for arthroscopic treatment of volar wrist ganglion is sessile type of volar wrist ganglion arising from the radiocarpal joint and centered on the proximal wrist crease [10].
• Mobile ganglia with long pedicle are poor candidates for arthroscopic surgery [10].
• Preoperative ultrasound scanning helps to confirm the articular origin and nature of the cystic mass [10].
• Arthroscopic drainage of a ganglion from the STT joint is feasible with the addition of new portals [10].
• The author prefers to perform arthroscopic volar wrist ganglionotomy under PSLA without the use of a tourniquet as this can help monitor any possible iatrogenic damage to the radial artery and its branches during the surgery [10].
• A wrist arthrogram can be performed immediately prior to the arthroscopic intervention or as a separate investigative procedure [10].
• The use of an intraoperative arthrogram of a ganglion as arising from the radiocarpal joint is described [10].
• Absence of demonstrable contrast filling the stalk with communication from the radiocarpal joint may preclude the use of the technique [10].
• 3 to 5 cc of nonionic contrast solution is admixed with 2% lidocaine and injected into the radiocarpal joint at the 3-4 portal site under fluoroscopic guidance [10].
• Typically, the stalk of the ganglion, and occasionally the cyst itself, can be identified at one of the volar radiocarpal ligament intervals [10].
• Ganglia arising from the interval between the RSC and the LRL ligament will show up at the more lateral aspect of the distal radius [10].
• Ganglia arising from the interval between the LRL and SRL ligaments will show up at a more central position of the distal radius [10].
• The relative position of the contrast-filling stalk can aid the identification of the true stalk during the actual arthroscopic procedure and hence facilitate subsequent decompression [10].
• As a rule, ganglia arising from the midcarpal joint or STT joint will not be revealed by arthrogram of the radiocarpal joint, unless one of the interosseous ligaments at the proximal carpal row is ruptured and creates a free communication between the radiocarpal and the midcarpal joint [10].
• For a right-handed surgeon operating on the right wrist, the scope entry site is typically 1-2, and working portal is 3-4 [10].
• For the left wrist, the sites are reversed [10].
• The outflow portal is 6U [10].
• Routine diagnostic arthroscopic examination of the radiocarpal joint is performed, followed by localization of the ganglion [10].
• This method is safer and more reliable for treating volar wrist ganglia [6].
• The arthroscopic resection of radiocarpal volar ganglia is a reasonable alternative to open excision with decreased postoperative morbidity, easy technique, and high rate of good results [31].

Other Locations and Considerations¶

• Dorsal wrist ganglions can be confused with carpal bosses, which are osteoarthritic spurs or prominences that develop at the base of the second or third carpometacarpal joints (or both) [18].
• A firm, bony, nonmobile, tender mass is visible and palpable at the base of the carpometacarpal joints, especially when the wrist is flexed [18].
• Radiologically, the mass is best visualized with the hand in 30 to 40 degrees of supination and 20 to 30 degrees of ulnar deviation (“carpal boss view”) [18].
• Bosses are more common in women, in the right hand, and between the third and fourth decades [18].
• The mass may be asymptomatic, or the patient may complain of considerable pain and aching [18].
• Every effort should be made to treat the carpal boss nonoperatively [18].
• Splinting, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications, and ultrasound-guided cortisone injections should be used or strongly considered prior to proceeding with surgery for carpal boss [18].
• The potential for persistent symptoms following surgery for carpal boss must be emphasized [18].

Complications¶

Recurrence¶

• Failure to identify and excise the pedicle attachment to the scapholunate ligament increases the likelihood of recurrence for dorsal wrist ganglions [1].
• Nine of 54 (16.7%) arthroscopic excisions resulted in cyst recurrence [19].
• Eight of 118 (6.8%) open excisions resulted in cyst recurrence [19].
• Routine midcarpal joint exploration during arthroscopic excision of dorsal wrist ganglions appeared to reduce recurrence at 1 year [9].

Nerve Injury¶

• Nerve injury in wrist arthroscopy typically affects the dorsal sensory branch of the radial or ulnar nerve and is related to portal placement or suture of the TFCC [21].

Vascular Injury¶

• The radial artery is frequently intimately attached to the wall of a volar ganglion and may be completely encircled by it [7].
• Injuries to the radial artery during volar ganglion excision can be repaired microscopically [7].
• Some authors recommend leaving a portion of the cyst wall attached to the radial artery to avoid arterial injury [7].

Pain and Stiffness¶

• Wrist stiffness is less common with volar ganglions than with dorsal ganglions but can occur if early motion is not encouraged [7].
• Wrist stiffness is an uncommon complication of wrist arthroscopy of uncertain etiology [21].

Other Complications¶

• Infection is an uncommon complication of wrist arthroscopy [21].
• ECU tendinitis may be related to portal placement or the suture knot after TFCC repair in wrist arthroscopy [21].
• Improper portal placement in wrist arthroscopy may result in tendon injury [21].
• Metacarpophalangeal joint pain caused by overdistraction is a transient complication of wrist arthroscopy [21].
• Unpleasant scars are not an uncommon problem following volar wrist ganglion excision [7].

Recovery¶

• Wrist motion should begin within the first 2 weeks after volar wrist ganglion excision surgery [7].
• A bulky bandage and elevation of the hand are used to ensure early postoperative comfort following volar wrist ganglion excision [7].
• Stiffness of the wrist is less common after volar wrist ganglion excision than after dorsal ganglion excision, but it can occur if early motion is not encouraged [7].
• In children aged <10 years, 69% to 79% of volar wrist ganglions display spontaneous regression within a span of 12-18 months when treated expectantly [8].
• Postoperative recovery of the wrist was rapid following an unusual carpometacpal fracture-dislocation, though extension of the fingers remained poor for over 3 months [35].

Key Evidence¶

• [L4] Pediatric ganglions of the hand have a greater rate of resolution than ganglions of the wrist. [2] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.07.002)
• [L4] Female patients who have preoperative pain around dorsal wrist ganglia were the most likely to have residual pain after surgery. [3] (10.1016/j.arthro.2013.04.002)
• [L4] The study concludes that routinely performing wrist radiography is not cost-effective in the evaluation and treatment decision-making process for patients with a wrist ganglion due to a low prevalence of therapeutically significant findings. [4] (10.1007/s11552-007-9032-8)
• [Paper] This method is safer and more reliable for treating volar wrist ganglia. [6] (10.1016/j.eats.2011.12.007)
• [L4] In children aged <10 years, ganglions mainly occur on the volar wrist and can be treated expectantly, with 69% to 79% displaying spontaneous regression within a span of 12-18 months. [8] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.12.015)
• [L3] Routine midcarpal joint exploration during arthroscopic excision of dorsal wrist ganglions appeared to reduce recurrence at 1 year without negatively impacting patient outcomes. [9] (10.1177/17531934251405730)
• [L4] There is no consensus within the literature regarding the best management of pediatric wrist ganglia, and no single treatment modality confers a particular advantage or disadvantage over another. [11] (10.1177/1558944720966716)
• [L4] Surgical excision of primary wrist ganglia significantly reduces patient symptoms with low recurrence rates and high patient satisfaction. [12] (10.1177/1753193411434376)
• [L3] The incidence of dorsal wrist ganglia was higher in the military compared with the civilian population. [13] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2020.08.001)
• [L2] Ganglions in pediatric populations, which most commonly affect the dorsal wrist, demonstrate a female predilection. [14] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.026)
• [L3] MRI scans provide relatively good reliability in establishing the diagnosis of an occult dorsal wrist ganglion, with a sensitivity of 83% when using intra-operative findings as the standard. [15] (10.1177/1753193408092041)
• [L4] The outcomes, recurrence, and complications rates after 4 years of follow-up presented in this study support the use of arthroscopy as a treatment for dorsal wrist ganglion. [16] (10.1177/1558944717743601)
• [L4] While observation and/or splinting will likely be helpful in resolution of a majority of pediatric hand and wrist ganglions, surgical excision is indicated for those that are symptomatic, do not resolve after approximately 2 months of observation and/or splinting, or recur. [17] (10.1007/s11552-008-9122-2)
• [L3] [19] (10.1177/15589447211003184)
• [L4] [22] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.05.025)
• [L5] The development of a trigger wrist is atypical, with multiple causes for its development. [24] (10.1177/15589447241284303)
• [L4] The proposed classification of ganglia helps minimize the area of resection required. [25] (10.1054/jhsb.2001.0620)
• [L4] Arthroscopic ganglionectomy through an intrafocal cystic portal is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of painful wrist ganglia. [26] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.08.021)
• [L4] In a child with a wrist ganglion, if the cyst ultimately resolved, it usually did so within 18 months. [29] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.10.032)
• [L1] The arthroscopic resection of radiocarpal volar ganglia is a reasonable alternative to open excision with decreased postoperative morbidity, easy technique, and high rate of good results. [31] (10.1080/02844310802210897)
• [L1] Open surgical excision offers significantly lower chance of recurrence compared with aspiration in the treatment of wrist ganglions. [32] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.12.014)
• [L4] It is important to ascertain the precise concerns of patients with ganglia and not assume that they attend the hand clinic with symptoms which justify surgical excision. [33] (10.1054/jhsb.2000.0504)
• [L5] Postoperatively recovery of the wrist was rapid, though extension of the fingers remained poor for over 3 months. [35] (10.1016/0020-1383(94)90161-9)
• [L3] [45] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.03.021)
• [Paper] Although aspiration with triamcinolone acetonide injection plus wrist immobilization is an alternative method, surgery was the most successful form of treatment when considering the cure rate of dorsal wrist ganglion. [46] (10.1007/s12593-011-0039-6)
• [L4] [50] (10.1016/s0749-0712(21)00020-2)
• [L4] MRI is an excellent diagnostic modality to evaluate rapidly growing upper extremity masses and distinguish ganglions from malignant processes. [54] (10.1007/s11552-007-9083-x)
• [L4] [58] (10.1055/s-0040-1716509)
• [L2] The systematic review and survey of Canadian hand surgeons reveal that hand surgeons are divided regarding the need to immobilize the wrist after dorsal wrist ganglion excision. [60] (10.1177/15589447211014631)
• [L4] [61] (10.1016/j.hcl.2013.08.020)
• [L4] CNNs can detect ganglion cysts in wrist MRI. [66] (10.1186/s12891-025-09011-1)
• [L4] [77] (10.2106/00004623-197254070-00009)
• [L4] [78] (10.1080/028443101750523267)

References¶

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