Wrist Ganglion Cysts

Wrist Ganglion Cyst (Cystic Hygroma)
Ganglion cysts are sacs filled with transparent joint fluid originating from the joint capsule or tendon sheaths in the wrist.

It is usually seen on the outer surface of the wrist. Sometimes it is seen at the thumb joint on the inner surface of the wrist. It is often harmless and may disappear over time.

Wrist Anatomy
The wrist consists of carpal bones, joint capsule and tendons. The ganglion is shaped like a balloon extending subcutaneously through the joint with a stalk. It can occur in various joint neighborhoods.

What Causes a Ganglion Cyst?
In short, straining the wrist increases the susceptibility to this disease.

A ganglion is a sac containing a transparent, jelly-like fluid. It is not known exactly what triggers the formation of this condition. It is common in young women, those who frequently use keyboards, those who are busy with lace work and those who do gymnastics.

Complaints and Diagnosis in Ganglion Cyst Disease
Being a space-occupying mass, they can be painful by compressing adjacent tissues such as nerves and tendons. Interestingly, while large ganglia are usually not painful, often small ganglia, called occult ganglia, can be painful in the wrist by penetrating between the joints. They can be of various sizes, sometimes green lentils, sometimes chickpeas, and sometimes larger, which can shrink and grow. In the active hand, they tend to be large and may shrink with rest.

At the point of diagnosis, the physician performs a manual examination. Transparency is evaluated with a light source. X-rays are taken to rule out bone tumors for differential diagnosis.

MRI and Ultrasound (USG) may be ordered to evaluate the exact structure of the cyst.

Ganglion Cyst Treatment
Surgery is not the first choice.

Observation; Ganglion is not a cancer. It may disappear in follow-up and may be painless.

Resting; If it is painful with activity, it is rested by using a wrist splint. Pain is relieved with medical treatment.

Aspiration; Aspiration can be done with a syringe in painful and large ganglions, but it tends to recur.

Surgical Treatment
Painful ganglia that do not respond to the above treatments are removed with a local and day surgery.
There may be mild swelling after surgery and physical therapy is started in the early postoperative period to prevent joint stiffness. You can usually return to work after 2 weeks.