Affiliation:
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
2. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Boston, Massachusetts
Abstract
Abstract
Background Ganglion excision is performed for pain, functional impairment, or cosmetic reasons, with recurrence rates ranging between 9 and 20%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recurrence and reoperation rates after ganglion excision, along with assessing patient-reported outcomes.
Methods Retrospectively, 1,076 patients, with 1,080 wrist ganglia, were identified who underwent open excision (n = 1,055) and arthroscopic excision (n = 25). The ganglia were predominantly dorsal (59%) and volar (37%). Additionally, 149 patients who underwent open excision and all who underwent arthroscopic excision were contacted to complete a questionnaire on recurrence and reoperation, the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Seventy-seven patients responded at a median of 4 years postoperatively. A matched case-control analysis was performed to identify factors associated with reoperation, along with a bivariate analysis to assess what factors influence patient-reported outcomes.
Results The reoperation rate was 3.3%, with no factors statistically associated with reoperation in case-control analysis. Among the contacted patients, 13% reported a recurrence, of which 2.6% reported reoperation. The median QuickDASH score was 2.3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0–12), the median PRWE score was 0 (IQR: 0–12), and the median pain score was 0 (IQR: 0–3), with female sex being associated with higher scores.
Conclusion The reoperation rate after ganglion excision is low (3.3%) and is mostly performed within 3 years. The self-reported ganglion recurrence is higher (13%), but only one-fifth of these patients reported a repeat excision. After surgery, patients report good functional scores, with little persistent pain.
Subject
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine,Surgery