Outcome Evaluation of Arthroscopic Resection of Dorsal Wrist Ganglia

Abstract

Goals: Arthroscopic ganglionectomy has become an increasingly popular surgical option for dorsal wrist ganglia. The aim of this study was to describe our technique for the arthroscopic treatment of dorsal wrist ganglia and to evaluate the clinical results as well as the recurrence rate in our patients. Methods: In a prospective study, 48 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment of dorsal ganglion of the wrist were included. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 3 and 24 months post arthroscopy. A presence of recurrence at 24 months was recorded. The subjective outcome was evaluated with The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and the Visual analog scale (VAS). Objective outcomes included grip strength and range of movement measurements. Results: The mean age was 36 years; the majority were women (36/48). Mean grip strength and the average flexion and extension in the wrist showed improvement after 3 months. The total PRWE score improved from 26.7 preoperatively to 10.2 at three months and 2.4 two years after surgery. After 24 months follow-up, there were only two patients with recurrence (4.2%). Conclusion: The arthroscopic resection of the dorsal wrist ganglia is a procedure with a low recurrence rate and lowest scaring and stiffness; it should be considered as a golden standard for operative treatment of the dorsal wrist ganglia.