Arthroscopic Resection of Recurrent Wrist Synovial Cyst: Case Series and Results

Ricardo K. de Oliveira; Fábio S. Romero; Paula Fischer; Federico S. Rodriguez; Pedro J. Delgado

doi:10.1055/a-2617-5942

Journal of Wrist Surgery, Table of Contents

J Wrist Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2617-5942

Scientific Article

Arthroscopic Resection of Recurrent Wrist Synovial Cyst: Case Series and Results

Ricardo K. de Oliveira

¹Department of Hand Surgery, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil

,

Fábio S. Romero

²Department of Hand Surgery, Hospital Militar Central, Military University, Bogota, Colombia

,

Paula Fischer

³Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil

,

Federico S. Rodriguez

⁴Department of Hand Surgery, Military University Nueva Granada, Bogota, Colombia

,

Pedro J. Delgado

⁵Hand Surgery Unit, Department of Hand Surgery, Hospital Universitário Madrid Montepríncipe, Universidad CEU San Pablo, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Background and Purpose

This study evaluates the outcomes of arthroscopic surgery for recurrent wrist synovial cysts (SCs) in patients previously treated with open or arthroscopic surgery. The objective is to determine whether prior surgery makes the procedure more challenging and if results are comparable to those in first-time patients.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis included 22 patients who underwent surgery between 2019 and 2023, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The same arthroscopic technique used for first-time patients was applied.

Results

Most patients were female (63.6%), with a mean age of 35.8 years. Nineteen had one prior surgery, and three had two. Eighteen underwent open surgery, and four had a prior arthroscopic procedure. The average time between the last surgery and recurrence was 2 months. Before the procedure, the mean pain score was 6.5 (1–9). The mean follow-up period was 8.8 months, with postoperative pain score reduced to 0.3 (0–2). No recurrences, infections, or additional surgeries were needed. Two patients experienced mild complications, which resolved spontaneously.

Conclusion

Arthroscopy is a safe and effective technique for treating recurrent wrist SCs, improving cosmetic appearance and pain relief without increased risk of complications. Surgeon experience is crucial, as incomplete pedicle resection is the main cause of recurrence.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.

Keywords

musculoskeletal diseases/surgery - ganglion cyst - wrist ganglion - surgical excision - arthroscopy/utilization - recurrence

Full Text

References

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