Arthroscopic resection in the management of dorsal wrist ganglions: results with a minimum 2-year follow-up period.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to review the results of arthroscopic resection of dorsal wrist ganglions.

METHODS: Forty-one patients with dorsal wrist ganglions had arthroscopic resection: 24 women and 17 men. The average patient age was 29.8 years. All of the patients had some or all of the following: pain, localized swelling, and limited range of motion. Along with clinical examination, 19 wrists had ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging to confirm diagnosis. Twelve patients had previous injections with recurrence. The average follow-up time to date is 47.8 months (range, 28-97 months).

RESULTS: Overall postoperative motion improved compared with preoperative values. No cases of scapholunate instability were noted. The average postoperative grip strength improved significantly. Only 2 ganglions recurred and required 2 attempts at open resection for successful eradication the ganglion. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic ganglionectomy is a safe and reliable alternative to open resection.