Abstract
Background. Mucous cysts of hand represent tumor-like masses. This pathology is associated with a large number of diagnostic and treatment mistakes with inappropriate procedures and incomplete surgical interventions, which result in recurrences and complications.
Aim of the study — to analyze diagnostics and treatment mistakes in patients with mucous cysts of fingers in order to improve the quality of medical care for patients with this pathology.
Methods. The study enrolled 62 patients. Diagnostics included medical history analysis, clinical and X-ray examination, and ultrasonography. According to the patients’ history, they were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of patients who had come to the clinic for the first time, group 2 — of patients who had referred to the clinic with recurrences of mucous cysts. All patients underwent surgical interventions with osteophyte excision of the phalanx and skin defect grafting after cyst excision. Treatment results were evaluated 2, 6, 12 months after the operation using X-ray data, VAS, QuickDash questionnaire, and measurements of the range of motion in the distal interphalangeal joint.
Results. Initial referrals of group 2 patients (with disease recurrence) were analyzed in terms of the profile of specialists and the type of care provided. It was found that patients with recurrence had undergone procedures (cyst puncture, cauterization, removal of thin skin over the cyst) or surgeries without osteophyte excision of the phalanx and skin defect grafting after cyst excision. The use of a diagnostic algorithm at the referral stage made it possible to confirm the diagnosis and detect an osteophyte of the affected phalanx in all patients. Patients were followed up for a year.
Conclusion. At the diagnostic stage, X-ray and ultrasonography are conclusive methods of examination. The only correct method of mucous cysts treatment is radical surgery including skin defect grafting with local tissues after cyst excision and osteophyte removal.