Arthroscopic ganglionectomy through an intrafocal cystic portal for wrist ganglia

Abstract

Purpose: A retrospective study was conducted on arthroscopic ganglionectomy in wrists using a novel intrafocal cystic portal. The safety and efficacy of this technique were assessed by treatment of 15 wrists in 15 patients.

Methods: Arthroscopic ganglionectomy was performed by the same surgeon with the patient under general anesthesia or regional block. Preoperative complaints, intraoperative findings, and postoperative results of all the patients were reported. The mean follow-up was 15.3 months. Functional assessment by use of modified Mayo wrist scores, patient satisfaction, and recurrence were included in the follow-up evaluation.

Results: Two thirds of the patients acquired good to excellent results, whereas the results for the remaining third were fair. Complications included 1 recurrence and 1 case of transient paresthesia sensation. The most common arthroscopic findings were capsular and ligament lesions, rather than ganglionic stalks.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic ganglionectomy through an intrafocal cystic portal is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of painful wrist ganglia.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.