Prospective Evaluation of Push-up Performance and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Open Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Excision in the Active-Duty Military Population

Abstract

Abstract Background Dorsal wrist ganglia (DWG) are a common wrist pathology that affects the military population. This study prospectively evaluates push-up performance, functional measures, and patient-reported outcomes 6 months after open DWG excision in active-duty patients. Methods Twenty-seven active-duty patients were enrolled and 18 had complete follow-up. Included patients had DWG diagnosis, unilateral involvement, and no previous surgery. The number of push-ups performed within 2 minutes was measured preoperatively and at 6 months. Range of motion (ROM), grip strength, Pain Catastrophization Scale (PCS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Wrist Score, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were measured preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Push-up performance did not significantly change overall. Wrist flexion, extension, and radial deviation returned to preoperative ranges. Wrist ulnar deviation significantly increased from preoperative range. Grip strength deficit between operative and unaffected extremities significantly improved to 0.7 kg at 6 months from preoperative deficit of 2.7 kg. Mean scores significantly improved for the validated outcome measures—PCS from 6.3 to 0.67, VAS pain scores from 1.37 to 0.18, DASH scores from 12.8 to 4.3, and Mayo Wrist Scores from 80.3 to 89.4. No surgical complications or recurrences were reported. Conclusions Findings suggest that almost half of active patients may improve push-up performance after DWG excision at 6 months. Significant improvements were seen in wrist pain, ROM, grip strength, and all patient-reported outcomes, which is useful when counseling patients undergoing excision.