Recurrence Rates of Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cysts After Arthroscopic Versus Open Surgical Excision: A Retrospective Comparison

Two-Year Clinical Outcomes after Arthroscopic Re-Excision of Recurrent Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cyst

OBJECTIVES

Arthroscopic excision of dorsal wrist ganglion (DWG) cysts has recently become an alternative to open surgery, with the advantage of lower recurrence. However, in recurrent cases, whether re-excision using an arthroscopic approach would achieve favorable outcomes has not been determined. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of function evaluation and recurrence rate after arthroscopic excision of recurrent DWG cysts.

METHODS

A total of 11 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed recurrent DWG cysts were retrospectively reviewed between November 2017 and March 2020. Extensive re-excision of the ganglion cyst and its surrounding pathological capsule was performed using an arthroscopic approach. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was routinely performed before surgery to identify the location and limits of the cyst. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. A second recurrence was recorded if a mass reappeared at the same site with a positive transillumination test. Pain during activity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). The active range of motion (ROM) of the wrist was measured using a goniometer, and the hand grip strength was measured using a digital dynamometer. Comparative analysis between the pre- and postoperative indexes was performed using Student's t-test.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up period of 29.3 months (range, 24-34 months), no second recurrence of the cyst was recorded. The VAS score improved from 1.4 to 0.3 (t = 3.833, p = 0.003), and residual pain was reported by three patients (VAS score = 1 for each). Active wrist flexion increased from 73.6° to 78.2° (t = 2.887, p = 0.016). No significant changes were found in active wrist extension or hand grip strength (p > 0.05). No major complications occurred during the study.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic excision of a recurrent DWG cyst yielded satisfactory results with no second recurrence, significant pain relief, and good wrist function at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Clear identification of the location and limits of the ganglion based on preoperative MRI could be helpful to achieve complete excision and therefore prevent a second recurrence.