Intraosseous ganglia of the scaphoid and lunate bones: report of 15 cases in 13 patients

Abstract

Thirteen patients with 15 intraosseous carpal ganglia (6 scaphoid and 9 lunate cases) are reported. Eleven cases had cortical defects communicating the bone cysts either with the joint space or a coexisting soft tissue ganglion. Nine cysts were primary or idiopathic; soft tissue ganglia were found in 6 secondary cases and anatomic continuity of the intraosseous and extraosseous components through cortical defects was present. Treatment consisted of curettage of the cyst wall and cancellous bone grafting. Approaching lunate cysts through a small opening in the scapholunate interosseous ligament is described. Results were analyzed in 12 cases with at least 1 year of follow-up; the average follow-up period in these cases was 47 months (range, 12-119 months). Results were very good in all but 1 patient, who suffered a partial lunate collapse, which resulted in mild lunocapitate osteoarthritis. No graft reabsorption or recurrence was seen in the control radiographs obtained throughout the follow-up period.