Scapholunate Instability Following the Surgical Excision of Dorsal Ganglion Cyst of the Wrist: A Case Report

Abstract

Ganglion cysts of the dorsal wrist are generally attached to the scapholunate interosseous ligament, and surgical removal could injure this ligament. Such injury could rarely result in postoperative scapholunate instability. To date, a few cases of scapholunate instability following the excision of the dorsal ganglion cyst of the wrist have been reported. In this report, we present a 23-year-old man with scapholunate instability following the surgical resection of the dorsal ganglion cyst of his wrist. The instability was treated with open reduction and reconstruction. One year follow-up of the patient was event-free. The patient had no pain and limitation and resumed his preoperative activities. According to this case, the iatrogenic or pre-existing nature of scapholunate instability following the surgical excision of the dorsal ganglion cyst of the wrist‎‏ cannot be determined. However, the patients should be informed of this complication before undergoing surgery.