Orthopaedic Surgery: Ganglions

What are Ganglions?

Ganglions are small cysts which appear on the hand or wrist adjacent to tendons. They are extremely common and usually not painful. They are filled with clear fluid and they can disappear on their own without any treatment. Sometimes they get bigger over time. They dont spread to other areas.

The cause of Ganglions is unknown.

The common locations for Ganglions are the top of the wrist, the palm side of the wrist, and the top of the end joint of the finger.

If the ganglio does not bother you, then it can be left at least for a while, to see if it disappears on its own. If it bothers you or if it becomes painful then it can be treated very easily.

A needle can be inserted into the cyst to remove the fluid inside. This will enable the cyst to deflate. Quiet often however, the ganglion returns once more.

Surgically, we can remove the cyst and a portion of the joint capsule. This is generally very successful although there is still a very small chance that the ganglion could return.

The procedure is very simple and can be performed under local anaesthetic. There is no need to stay in hospital overnight as this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Ganglion cysts are very common lumps within the hand and wrist that occur adjacent to joints or tendons.  The most common locations are the top of the wrist (see Figure 1), the palm side of the wrist, the base of the finger on the palm side, and the top of the end joint of the finger.

The ganglion cyst often resembles a water balloon on a stalk (see Figure 2), and is filled with clear fluid or gel. The cause of these cysts is unknown although they may form in the presence of joint or tendon irritation or mechanical changes. These cysts may change in size or even disappear completely, and they may or may not be painful.  These cysts are not cancerous and will not spread to other areas.

How are ganglion cysts diagnosed?

The diagnosis is usually based on the location of the lump and its clinical appearance. They are usually oval or round and may be soft or very firm. Cysts at the base of the finger on the palm side are typically a very firm, pea-sized nodule that is tender to applied pressure, such as when gripping. Light will often pass through these lumps (trans-illumination) and this can assist in the diagnosis. Your physician may request x-rays in order to investigate problems in adjacent joints; cysts at the end joint of the finger frequently have an arthritic bone spur associated with them.

What are the treatment options for ganglion cysts?

Treatment can often be non-surgical.  In many cases, these cysts can simply be observed, especially if they are painless. If the cyst becomes painful, limits activity, or is cosmetically unacceptable, other treatment options are available. The use of splints and anti-inflammatory medication can be prescribed in order to decrease pain associated with activities. An aspiration can be performed to remove the fluid from the cyst and decompress it.  This requires placing a needle into the cyst, which can be performed in most office settings.  If non-surgical options fail to provide relief or if the cyst recurs, surgical alternatives are available. Surgery involves removing the cyst along with a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath (see Figure 3). In the case of wrist ganglion cysts, both traditional open and arthroscopic techniques may yield good results. Surgical treatment is generally successful although cysts may recur. Your surgeon will discuss the best treatment options for you.

Free Consultation - the next step

The next step is to arrange a free private consultation with our Mills & Mills Orthopaedic Surgeon at a centre near you. This is easy to do. Simply call us on the number provided and we will do the rest. We will be happy to chat with you on the phone and answer any questions that you might have. We know how important this procedure is to you. It is our aim to provide you with a service second to none.

We look forward to hearing from you.