Rationale and Basic Science

Dorsal wrist ganglions are the most common type of soft–tissue swellings that present around the wrist. They usually originate from the dorsal portion of the scapholunate ligament, at or just distal to the dorsal folds of the radiocarpal capsule.¹ The dorsal wrist ganglion originates from the scapholunate joint. The cyst pedicle lies at the junction of the dorsal capsule and the distal–most part of the dorsal scapholunate interosseous ligament. From here, the ganglion swells into a sac lying along the dorsal capsule—from where it protrudes as a clinically obvious swelling. The intracapsular portion of the ganglion overlies the scapholunate joint, but the large extra–articular fundus of the cyst may vary in location (although it still remains in close vicinity of the joint).

The swelling is benign but can be painful, and surgical excision by an open procedure is recognized as the most effective method of treatment of this condition. Unfortunately, recurrence is possible even after open surgery and is likely related to removal of the externally visible cyst without addressing the intra–articular pedicle. Management of the “occult” ganglion that remains intracapsular and is not clinically visible provides an even further treatment challenge. As the swelling cannot be seen outside the wrist joint, open surgery consists of an almost empirical excision of a 1.5–cm diameter of dorsal wrist capsule overlying the scapholunate joint.

Wrist arthroscopy offers an excellent view of the wrist joint, and with modern mechanized shavers intra–articular pathology can be effectively debrided. In the case of a ganglion, the intra–articular portion is easy to see because it lies against the dorsal capsule. The pedicle of the ganglion at the scapholunate ligament can be visualized in the majority of cases, and can be resected effectively along with the intra–articular portion with minimal surgical incisions. This may reduce the incidence of recurrence after surgery. In addition, arthroscopy allows a thorough visual examination and palpation by probe of the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints to exclude other sources of wrist pain. The use of wrist arthroscopy to effectively treat dorsal wrist ganglia is not new and was first proposed by Osterman in 1995.²

The “occult” ganglion is entirely intracapsular and cannot the visualized during open surgery. Arthroscopy, however, allows visualization and resection of the entire ganglion. In the author’s opinion, arthroscopy is the treatment of choice for an occult ganglion.

Routine wrist arthroscopy commences with joint inspection through the 3–4 radiocarpal portal. The ganglion overlies this portal and the intra–articular portion of the ganglion obscures visualization. If arthroscopic ganglionectomy is planned, the 6–R portal is used to gain initial entry to the wrist joint. When the scope is directed to the radial side, it is possible to obtain a tangential view of the ganglion adherent to the wrist capsule on one side and the scapholunate joint on the other. A shaver introduced through the 3–4 portal enters the joint through the ganglion. The perforated ganglion is then resected by running the shaver along the surface of the capsule.

Clinical Features and Indications

Most ganglia present in females in the second, third, or fourth decades of life. Spontaneous resolution is common but can take several years, with 50% of untreated patients “ganglion free” when assessed at six years.³

The most common presenting complaint is the cosmetic concern relating to a lump present on the back of the wrist. The other less common complaints are discomfort localized to the area of the swelling or fear of possible malignancy. Although the diagnosis is usually quite obvious in the majority of cases, other causes of wrist pain must be excluded by a thorough clinical examination and routine radiography. The ganglion is a soft cystic swelling that has no inflammatory signs. Transillumination by a penlight and fluctuation are two key clinical signs that demonstrate the clear fluid nature of the lump and exclude other soft–tissue tumors. If the patient seeks absolute confirmation, ultrasound examination is diagnostic. MR imaging is more expensive, but is indicated if Kienbock’s disease is to be excluded.

The patient with an occult wrist ganglion will complain of wrist discomfort over the area of the scapholunate joint and may or may not notice intermittent swelling in the area. As the swelling is not visible clinically, confirmation by MR imaging or ultrasound is mandatory. Ultrasound is the most cost effective and will demonstrate the ganglion as a hypoechoic mass overlying the scapholunate joint and deep to the wrist capsule (Figure 21.1).⁴

FIGURE 21.1 Ultrasound appearance of an occult ganglion on an axial view of the wrist. The 5-mm × 3-mm ganglion (marked by crosshairs) is seen overlying the interosseous ligament between the scaphoid (S) and the lunate (L).

Management options include reassurance that the swelling is harmless, and spontaneous resolution is possible if one is prepared to wait for a reasonable length of time. This holds true especially in the pediatric population, where cysts around the wrist are likely to resolve spontaneously in up to 80% of cases.⁵ A brief period of rest in a splint may help to reduce pain. Needle aspiration does provide immediate symptom relief, with resolution of the swelling, but the reported recurrence rate is about 60%.^6,7 The injection of steroid after aspiration does not seem to affect the high recurrence rates, and with risk of subcutaneous atrophy and skin depigmentation is not routinely recommended.⁸

Surgery is indicated if there is failure to respond to conservative treatment or if the patient declines injection. Open surgical excision has long been considered the definitive treatment of choice, but even surgery cannot prevent the risk of recurrence that can occur in as many as 25% of cases. Open surgical excision also has complications of scar tenderness or hypertrophy, keloid formation, and stiffness if prolonged postoperative immobilization is used.

Arthroscopic excision may be undertaken if the surgeon is familiar with arthroscopic techniques in the wrist. The patient who desires surgery must understand that surgery is one of the better options but spontaneous resolution is possible. The swelling itself is harmless. Pain arising from the wrist itself due to other pathology will not improve after ganglion excision. Patients who wish to have the swelling removed for cosmetic reasons must be informed that scar formation, even after arthroscopy, can be noticeable.

Contraindications