Arthroscopic excision of dorsal carpal ganglion cysts

Ganglion cysts are the most common tumor in the wrist. Dorsal carpal ganglion cysts represent 60 to 70% of all ganglion cysts in the hand and wrist. Standard treatment has been limited to observation, rest, immobilization, aspiration with or without injection, and surgical excision. Arthroscopic resection of dorsal carpal ganglion cyst have been done since the late 1980s. It has the advantages of less scarring and stiffness, the ability to inspect the wrist for other pathology and wrist instability. To date, the success of arthroscopic ganglion cyst resection is at least as good (1% recurrence) as current open techniques (0 to 10% recurrence). Risks of the procedure are similar to open techniques. Patient satisfaction with the procedure is high. In the largest reported series, there have been no major complications. This technique, for those who are comfortable with wrist arthroscopy, is effective and safe in treating this common wrist mass. The technique for this procedure is described as well as a brief history of treatment for dorsal carpal ganglion cysts.