Comparative Outcomes of Open Surgical Excision for Dorsal and Volar Wrist Ganglion Cysts: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the minimum 2-year functional outcomes, clinical scores and complications of patients in whom we performed open volar and dorsal ganglion cyst excision.

Methods: Patients were divided into two groups based on cyst location: dorsal and volar. The surgical outcomes were analyzed, encompassing the size and localization of the cyst, wrist ROM (range of motion), VAS (visual analogue scale) for pain, QDASH (quick disability arm shoulder hand) questionnaire, and PRWE (patient rated wrist evaluation) scale. Additionally, complications and recurrence rates were examined.

Results: A total of 53 patients were evaluated in the study, including 34 dorsal ganglion cysts (19 women, 56%) and 19 volar ganglion cysts (15 women, 79%). The mean age of the patients was 34.1 years (range: 18 to 68), and the mean follow-up period was 73.8 months (range: 26 to 136). The surgical duration was longer for volar cysts (p=0.01). For extension, the change in ROM was 3.9±6.3 degrees in volar cysts (p=0.01), whereas in dorsal cysts, this change was measured as 2.0±6.0 degrees (p=0.05). The increase in wrist flexion in the postoperative period was significantly higher in volar ganglion cysts (p<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for QDASH, PRWE, and VAS scores (p>0.05). Recurrence and complication rates were approximately 2-fold higher in volar cysts.

Conclusion: Open surgical excision is a successful treatment method for wrist ganglion cysts based on middle and long-term outcomes, with high patient satisfaction and low recurrence and complication rates.