GANGLION CYST
What is a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion – also called a cyst – is an outpouching from a joint or a tendon sheath, filled with joint fluid or with the gliding fluid of the tendon. A ganglion is a benign change and can develop from a healthy joint or an intact tendon sheath. At the wrist there are typical places where such a ganglion forms. These are areas of the joint capsule between the wrist ligaments, where the synovium can pass outwards between the ligaments. The cause can also be wear of the joint, with more joint fluid being produced and damage to the joint capsule. This is quite typical with osteoarthritis of the finger joints. Tendon ganglia frequently occur on the palm side of the fingers and can be very painful under pressure.
Symptoms
A firm, round thickening at the wrist
A swelling can be seen or felt in the middle of the back of the hand.
Pain on movement
A stabbing pain in the middle of the wrist occurs, for example during push-ups
A tender swelling on the finger
A visible and palpable round thickening on the outer or inner side of the fingers
What causes a ganglion cyst?
The exact cause is not always clear. Frequently, though, a ganglion arises through a weak point in the joint capsule or the tendon sheath. Repeated loading, poor posture or earlier injuries can encourage this process. Degenerative changes around the joint – through osteoarthritis, for example – are also considered a possible trigger.
Treatment options for a ganglion cyst
Treatment of a ganglion depends on its size, on the symptoms and on where it sits – it ranges from watching and waiting through to surgical removal.
Treatment options
Non-surgical and surgical – we will find the right approach for you
Aspirating the ganglion
Drawing the fluid off with a syringe can bring temporary relief
Watching and waiting
Ganglia can become smaller without treatment, or disappear completely.
Open removal of the ganglion
The whole ganglion, together with its connection to the joint, is removed from outside.
Arthroscopy and creation of a capsular window
Through an arthroscopy the ganglion is opened from the inside and removed
Our hand specialists
Experienced consultants for ganglion cysts and hand surgery
