Arthroscopic excision of occult volar and dorsal wrist ganglion: Case report

Abstract

Ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue lesions of hand and wrist, most commonly located over dorsal aspect of wrist originating from scapholunate inter-osseous ligament. Definitive management is open surgical excision. Arthroscopic resection is an effective treatment modality for symptomatic occult dorsal and volar wrist ganglion with good functional and cosmetic results. The patient in our case presented with left wrist pain and generalized swelling for 1 month duration with decreased range of movements of wrist joint which was diagnosed as septated ganglion cysts along the dorsal and volar aspects of scapholunate ligament. They were excised arthroscopically and there was complete functional recovery within 6 months. Arthroscopic excision of occult wrist ganglion is a novel technique and is gaining rapid popularity because of minimal perioperative morbidity, earlier functional recovery and faster return to work.