Excision of painful dorsal wrist ganglion by open or arthroscopic approach : a compariso n study

Dorsal wrist ganglion can be removed through open or arthroscopic excision. The better method for relieving pain remains unknown. In this study, we addressed the following questions: (1) does open excision provide better pain relief than arthroscopic? (2) is there any difference in patient satisfaction, functional outcome, and re-operation rate? Forty-five patients with painful dorsal wrist ganglions underwent open or arthroscopic excision. Posterior interosseous neurectomy was performed during open excision. Clinical outcomes were assessed with a focus on pain relief. Patient satisfaction, recurrence, and reoperation due to residual pain were also assessed. The average pain scores improved significantly after both, open and arthroscopic excision. However, five patients who underwent arthroscopic excision reported the same or worse pain, whereas all patients who underwent open excision reported postoperative alleviation of pain. The recurrence rate was comparable. Patient satisfaction was better in those who underwent open excision. Reoperation was performed in four patients who had residual pain after arthroscopic excision. Both, open and arthroscopic methods can alleviate pain in patients with painful dorsal wrist ganglion. However, 20% of the patients who underwent arthroscopic excision reported residual or persistent pain.

Fascial flap surgery for recurrent dorsal ganglion

Recurrence after primary resection of a dorsal wrist ganglion may necessitate a reintervention. A technique was introduced in 2004 in which a flap of the extensor retinaculum is used to cover the defect left in the wrist capsule following repeat radical excision. This retrospective study presents the follow-up 4.6 years after this surgery in 20 patients. Recurrence, grip strength and possible flexion deficit are measured in 13 patients who attended clinic, as well as pain and satisfaction scores. Disability scores have been evaluated in 18 patients. One refractory patient was ascertained. A flexion deficit ≤ 10° was observed in 7 patients. Overall, mild pain, very mild disability, a flexion deficit of 14.2° and a loss of grip strength of 3.6 kg was observed. The retinaculum flap for recurrent dorsal wrist ganglion is a reliable procedure with limited risk for flexion deficit after surgery, high satisfaction rate and low recurrence risk.

A Case Report of an Acromioclavicular Joint Ganglion Associated with a Rotator Cuff Tear

We report a case of subcutaneous ganglion adjacent to the acromioclavicular joint with massive rotator cuff tear [1-7]. An 81-year-old woman presented with a ganglion adjacent to the acromioclavicular joint that had first been identified 9 months earlier. The ganglion had recurred after having been aspirated by her local physician, so she was referred to our hospital. The puncture fluid was yellowish, clear and viscous. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a massive rotator cuff tear with multi- lobular cystic lesions continuous to the acromioclavicular joint, presenting the "geyser sign". During arthroscopy, distal clavicular resection and excision of the ganglion were performed together with joint debridement. At present, the ganglion has not recurred and the patient has returned to normal daily activity. In this case, the ganglion may have developed subsequent to the concomitant massive cuff tear, due to subcutaneous fluid flow through the damaged acromioclavicular joint.

Permanent Motor Function Loss by Delayed Treatment of Peroneal Intraneural Ganglion

The low incidence of intraneural ganglion makes it difficult to diagnose and treat before it becomes serious nerve damage. This case describes a 69-year-old female, who suffered from the right drop foot and was diagnosed as a peroneal intraneural ganglion. Resection of the mass relieved the pain; however, motor function was not recovered. Early diagnosis and nerve decompression are essential for the peroneal intraneural ganglion before critical nerve symptoms.

Intraneural Ganglion Cyst of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow Masquerading as a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor

BACKGROUND

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common mononeuropathy of the upper extremity. One rare cause of UNE is nerve mass lesions, including intraneural ganglion cysts (IGCs). IGC imaging studies provide important information that may determine the nature of a peripheral nerve mass lesion.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present the case of a 73-year-old woman who presented with rapid deterioration of left hand function over 2 months with weakness of fine motor control, grip strength, and dysesthesia in the ulnar nerve distribution. Preoperative imaging studies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the elbow, postcontrast studies, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient measurements, suggested a highly cellular tumor. Diffusion tensor tractography also revealed imaging features suggestive of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. During the operation, a sample of the lesion was sent for frozen section. There were no features of malignancy, and the pathologist could not determine a diagnosis based on the tissue sample sent. An intraoperative decision was made not to divide the ulnar nerve above and below the lesion. The IGC was successfully managed by identifying a suitable plane of dissection and cyst resection.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates that MRI studies indicating malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor must be considered with some caution and corroborated with supportive features on operative inspection and biopsy before radical resection is undertaken. Furthermore, for any nerve mass lesion immediately adjacent to a joint, the differential diagnosis of an IGC should be considered.

[Arthroscopic resection of dorsal wrist ganglion cysts]

OBJECTIVE

Pain relief and improvement of hand function by ganglion cyst resection and/or creation of a dorsal capsular window with partial synovectomy. In the case of visible ganglion cysts consideration of aesthetic aspects.

INDICATIONS

Visible and occult persisting dorsal wrist ganglion cysts, recurrent ganglion cyst after open or arthroscopic resection and intraosseous ganglion cyst with an extraosseous portion.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Recent skin lesion of the wrist.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Standard setting for wrist arthroscopy. Portals: radiocarpal 3‑4 and 6R, midcarpal radial (RMC) and midcarpal ulnar (UMC) portals. Start with arthroscopy in 3‑4 portal. If there is insufficient visualization of the dorsal capsular fold, change the arthroscope to the 6R portal. From here a tangential view onto the dorsal capsule at the level of the scapholunate (SL) ligament can be obtained. If a large ganglion overlying the 3‑4 portal or the RMC portal is present, UMC portals are primarily used. Intra-articular visualization of ganglion structures should always be attempted, especially for occult ganglion cysts. If the radiocarpal findings are inconspicuous, midcarpal arthroscopy from the UMC portal is performed to visualize the dorsal capsule at the SL ligament. Depending on the main localization of the visible alterations, ganglion or thickening of the capsule, a dorsal capsular window is created at the level of the SL ligament either radiocarpal or midcarpal or overlying both joints. Complete resection of the ganglion is controlled by palpation. Use of a 2.4 mm arthroscope with 30° angle of vision and 2.5 mm shaver (aggressive cutter). Low-suction drainage and soft padded dressing. An arthroscope with 70° angle of vision enables an even better view onto the dorsal capsule.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Immediate wrist mobilization, avoidance of excessive loading for 3 weeks. Physiotherapy is necessary if wrist flexion is not regained 3  weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

From 2007 to 2010 a total of 92 wrists from 88 patients were treated by arthroscopic ganglion cyst resection, 44 % for occult and 17 % for recurrent ganglia. At a mean follow-up of 78 % after 29.5 months a high patient satisfaction of 90 % was achieved. The only complication was a complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in one patient. The recurrence rate was 12.5 %.

Foot and Ankle Kinematics and Dynamic Electromyography: Quantitative Analysis of Recovery From Peroneal Neuropathy in a Professional Football Player

The assessment of neuromuscular recovery after peripheral nerve surgery has typically been a subjective physical examination. The purpose of this report was to assess the value of gait analysis in documenting recovery quantitatively. A professional football player underwent gait analysis before and after surgery for a peroneal intraneural ganglion cyst causing a left-sided foot drop. Surface electromyography (SEMG) recording from surface electrodes and motion parameter acquisition from a computerized motion capture system consisting of 10 infrared cameras were performed simultaneously. A comparison between SEMG recordings before and after surgery showed a progression from disorganized activation in the left tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles to temporally appropriate activation for the phase of the gait cycle. Kinematic analysis of ankle motion planes showed resolution from a complete foot drop preoperatively to phase-appropriate dorsiflexion postoperatively. Gait analysis with dynamic SEMG and motion capture complements physical examination when assessing postoperative recovery in athletes.

Peroneal intraneural ganglion cysts at the fibular neck: the layered "U" surgical approach to the articular branch and superior tibiofibular joint

BACKGROUND

Intraneural ganglia most commonly occur within the peroneal nerve near the fibular neck. Disconnection of the articular branch is required in their treatment. Surgical intervention can be challenging because of unfamiliarity with the region or scarring from previous surgery.

METHOD

We present the layered "U" technique for peroneal intraneural ganglia with clinical examples. Dissection is carried down in parallel to the U-shaped course of the articular branch to provide optimal visualization and avoid injury to major branches of the nerve.

CONCLUSION

This pathoanatomic approach provides direct and safe exposure of the articular branch of the common peroneal nerve.

Successful surgical treatment of an intraneural ganglion of the common peroneal nerve

Intraneural ganglion cysts of peripheral nerves occurring within the epineural sheath are rare, and their mechanism of formation and treatment options are debated. We present a case of a 41-year-old man who presented with a complaint of lateral-sided left knee pain with numbness on the lateral side of the foot who was diagnosed with an intraneural ganglion of the common peroneal nerve (CPN). He was treated initially with common peroneal epineural decompression only to have symptoms recur 6 weeks postoperatively. The patient was subsequently treated utilizing the suggestions of the "unified articular theory," which proposes a small recurrent articular branch of the CPN as the source of cyst fluid. This branch was surgically detached, leading to complete alleviation of his symptoms. When the patient was reevaluated 2 years postoperatively, his preoperative symptoms had resolved, and a follow-up magnetic resonance image showed resolution of the enlargement of the CPN.

[ARTHROSCOPIC RESECTION OF BENIGN TUMOR IN THE KNEE POSTERIOR SEPTUM]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the technique of arthroscopic resection of benign tumor in the knee posterior septum and to evaluate its clinical results.

METHODS

Between June 2008 and June 2012, 12 cases of benign tumor in the knee posterior septum were treated by arthroscopic surgery. There were 8 males and 4 females with an average age of 36.5 years (range, 22-50 years). The average disease duration was 8.4 months (range, 3 months to 2 years). Of 12 cases, there were 2 cases of chronic synovitis, 5 cases of ganglion, 4 cases of tenosynovial giant cell tumor, and 1 case of synovial hemangioma; solitary tumor involved in the knee posterior septum in 10 cases, and in the posterior septum and other part of the knee in 2 cases. All the patients underwent tumor removal under arthroscope with routine anterolateral and anteromedial portal, additional posteromedial portal and/or posterolateral portal. Trans-septal approach was used in 6 cases because the tumors located in the middle of the posterior septum.

RESULTS

All wounds healed by first intention with no complications such as infection, haematoma in the knee, injury of vessels and nerves, deep vein thrombosis, osteofascial compartment syndrome, or cutaneous necrosis. All patients were followed up 12-46 months with an average of 18.5 months. All patients achieved relief of knee pain and improvement of knee movement. The range of motion of the knee was significantly improved from (57.08 ± 12.52) degrees at pre-operation to (120.83 ± 13.95) degrees at last follow-up (t = -12.84, P = 0.00). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was significantly reduced from 5.00 ± 1.04 at pre-operation to 1.50 ± 0.91 at last follow-up (t = -18.00, P = 0.00). The Lysholm score was significantly improved from 49.50?9.07 at pre-operation to 84.58 ± 6.82 at last follow-up (t = -8.04, P = 0.00).

CONCLUSION

The benign tumor in the knee posterior septum can be completely resected under arthroscope, and the procedure is minimally invasive and useful to the restore knee function.

[Nerve sonography of intraneural ganglia as cause painful peroneal palsies: a case series]

In selected cases acquired peroneal palsy is caused by intraneural ganglia. In contrast to the much more frequent "loco typico" lesion which is caused by external pressure, intraneural ganglia can be treated by microscopic nerve surgery as part of primary treatment strategy. A careful clinical history as well as a profound clinical and electrophysiological examination is required to disclose unusual findings. These are common in non-typical peroneal palsy. In this situation high resolution nerve sonography is a fast and sensitive method to detect intraneural ganglia. We report a case series of three patients with peroneal palsy caused by intraneural ganglia and give a review of the literature.

Treatment of ganglions; a five year experience

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and determine the effectiveness of surgical excision, aspiration and injection in the treatment of symptomatic ganglions.

METHODS

The prospective randomized control trial based on non-probability convenience sampling was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Sialkot, from June 2007 to August 2010, and at the Department of Surgery, Islam Teaching Hospital, Sialkot, from September 2010 to December 2012. The last patient was included in June 2012. Adult patients referred by general practitioners with ganglia of wrist, ankle and knee were included. All the patients were offered treatment options of intralesional steroid injection or excision of ganglion.The study population was distributed in two groups: Group I opted for aspiration and injection treatment, while Group II went for surgical treatment. A minimum follow-up of six months was mandatory for inclusion in the study. Data was compared and analyzed using SPSS version 22.

RESULTS

The study had 173 patients with 187 ganglia. Group I had 143(76.4%) patients, while Group II had 44(23.3%). In the short term, 82(57.3%) of the patients achieved complete resolution after one episode of aspiration and injection, and success rate after second injection repeated after 3 weeks was 116(81%). Overall success rate of aspiration and injection of Triamcinolone acetonide six months after the treatment was 116(81%). On the surgical side the success rate was 41(93%). Complications like pain, joint stiffness and ugly scar were few and not significant. Comparison of failure rates of the two groups (19% vs 7%) showed significant difference (p<0.028).

CONCLUSION

In symptomatic ganglia, surgical excision was a better treatment option as the failure rate was less compared to injection-aspiration. The injection treatment should be offered to those who are not willing for surgery, but they should be properly counselled about the chances of failure.

Ganglion cyst arising from the first metacarpophalangeal joint in an adolescent

Pediatric ganglion cyst of the hand is a rare entity. Its incidence is even lower in those arising from the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. We herein report the first known case of a ganglion cyst of the first MP joint in a 14-year-old boy. Pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

An intra-articular ganglion cyst in a patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

We report an intra-articular ganglion cyst (IAGC) presenting as knee pain and a mass in a patient with longstanding Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). We could not find a similar case of an IAGC occurring in the knee of JIA patients in the literature. IAGC may need to be included as a possibility in patients with inflammatory arthritis with new-onset knee pain, especially in those with a palpable mass. MRI was useful in distinguishing IAGC from more worrisome causes of a knee mass. Orthopedic input was helpful in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, methotrexate therapy was effective in bringing about a long-lasting remission.

[Diagnosis and treatment of the ganglion cysts and synovial cysts arising from the temporomandibular joints]

OBJECTIVE

To give a reference for the early diagnosis and treatment of the cysts arising from the temporomandibular joint.

METHODS

Nine patients finally diagnosed as temporomandibular joint cysts at the Peking University Hospital of Stomatology from May 1998 to August 2013 were selected and reviewed. Their clinical manifestations, imaging features, diagnoses and differential diagnoses, treatments and follow-ups were summarized and discussed.

RESULTS

In the 9 patients, 3 were males and 6 females. Their ages ranged from 33 to 62 years with a median age of 39 years; the course of the disease ranged from 2 weeks to 3 years with a median of 4 months. The image examinations were performed with conventional X-ray examinations in 7 cases, CT scans in 8 cases, MRI in 6 cases and ultrasound in one case. Of the 9 cases, 7 were finally diagnosed as ganglion cyst and 2 as synovial cyst. Ganglion cysts mainly presented as the mass of preauricular area or joint area, with no obvious symptoms or only local discomfort, occasionally with pain. The synovial cysts manifested as the painful swelling of preauricular area and limited mouth-opening, accompanying with occlusal disorders. The treatments included surgical resection in 8 cases, repeated arthrocenteses and lavages in one case. The follow-ups were from 3 months to 9 years, one case with recurrence, and the remaining eight cases without recurrence.

CONCLUSION

MRI examinations are very helpful in the early diagnosis and treatment planning of temporomandibular joint cysts. Surgical resection can have good results. Repeated arthrocenteses and lavages also have a good result, which may be an alternative choice for synovial cyst, but more accumulation of clinical experience is further needed.

[Intraneural ganglion of the peroneal nerve--two case reports]

This paper describes two cases of gelatinous cyst of rare location within the peroneal nerve. Clinical picture was different in described patients. The gelatinous cyst was completely resected in both cases. The final diagnosis was established based on the histo-patological examination.

[Ganglion cysts of the hand and wrist]

Ganglion cysts are considered the most common tumor of the wrist and hand. They are most common between the second and fourth decades of life. The most common anatomical location is the dorsal wrist. This article includes a general review of these cysts including symptoms, pathology and methods of diagnosis, as well as a review of these cysts in specific anatomic locations. The article also includes an updated review of the literature comparing open surgery vs. arthroscopic treatment. The authors believe that arthroscopic surgery of ganglion cysts will gain an important role in the treatment of these cysts.

Ganglion cyst of the cruciate ligament with atlantoaxial subluxation

BACKGROUND

Ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament are rare and sometimes asymptomatic. The authors present three cases of ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament with atlantoaxial subluxation, which has rarely been reported previously.

METHODS

Generally, ganglion cysts of the cruciate ligament are reported as case reports. Several theories regarding the process of cyst formation and the development of treatment options have been described. However, trans-oral decompression with total removal of the cyst may be one of the options for treatment of this kind of disease.

RESULTS

A retrospective review of three patients, two female and one male patient, with a mean age of 68 years was conducted. The operation performed was a trans-oral decompression with cyst removal for all patients. Clinical outcomes were evaluated after the operation. All patients underwent trans-oral decompression with total removal of the cyst, followed by posterior fusion and pathologic examination of the cyst, revealing myxoid stroma with an absence of synovial linings.

CONCLUSION

The ganglion cysts and synovial cysts of the cruciate ligament are two different diseases with different presentation, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and pathologic findings.

Avoiding unplanned resections of wrist sarcomas: an algorithm for evaluating dorsal wrist masses

Ganglion cysts, soft-tissue masses that commonly occur about the wrist, are often excised without imaging or biopsy. In this article, we report a series of incompletely excised soft-tissue sarcomas about the wrist and offer an algorithm for their evaluation. We describe a series of 4 consecutive patients who each presented after incomplete resection of a soft-tissue sarcoma mistakenly diagnosed as a ganglion cyst. We also retrospectively review the cases of 7 patients with incompletely excised sarcomas of the wrist. Three of the 4 patients with sarcomas mistaken for ganglion cysts did not have prior magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3 of the 4 did not have an attempted aspiration, and all 4 did not have transillumination. Common atypical characteristics included ulna-based lesions (3/4), symptoms for less than 6 months (3/4), and no appreciable fluctuation in size (3/4). Functional outcomes for all patients were poor because of multiple surgical procedures, re-excisions requiring flaps, and need for additional adjuvant therapies. Dorsal wrist masses with atypical characteristics should be approached with caution. Transillumination and aspiration are 2 accessible, cost-efficient methods for evaluating these masses. If either test is abnormal, an MRI should be performed.

Three-dimensional assessment of hand outcome

INTRODUCTION

Patient reported outcome measures are central to National Health Service quality of care assessments. This study investigated the benefit of elective hand surgery by the simultaneous analysis of pain, function and appearance, using a three-dimensional (3D) graphical model for evaluating and presenting outcome.

METHODS

A total of 188 patients scheduled for surgery completed pre- and postoperative questionnaires grading the severity of their pain, dysfunction and deformity of their hand(s). Scores were plotted on a 3D graph to demonstrate the degree of 'normalisation' following surgery.

RESULTS

Surgical groups included: nerve compression (n=53), Dupuytren's disease (n=51), trigger finger (n=20), ganglion (n=17) or other lump (n=21), trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (n=10), rheumatoid disease (n=5) and other pathology (n=13). A significant improvement towards normality was seen after surgery in each group except for patients with rheumatoid disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a simple, visual representation of hand surgery outcome by plotting patient scores for pain, function and appearance simultaneously on a 3D graph.

[Anterior cruciate ligament ganglion: a case report]

Intraarticular ganglions are rare and they are usually incidental findings of MRIs and arthroscopies. We report the case of a male athlete with this condition affecting the anterior cruciate ligament. The most frequent symptoms include pain that worsens with activity, and motion limitations. The MRI shows the typical signs of a ganglion and it is the most specific and sensitive test. Arthroscopy is used for both the diagnosis and the treatment of this condition. A late diagnosis turns arthroscopic resection into a complicated or impossible procedure that at times warrants extensive debridement of the anterior cruzate ligament.

Peroneal and tibial intraneural ganglion cysts in children

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Intraneural ganglion cyst is a rare and underrecognized clinical entity in the pediatric population, which may cause pain as well as motor and sensory neurological deficits. This study presents 4 pediatric patients harboring ganglion cysts involving the peroneal and tibial nerves.

METHODS

Data encompassing pre- and postoperative analyses of 4 pediatric patients with intraneural ganglion cyst was evaluated.

RESULTS

Out of these 4 patients, 3 had an intraneural ganglion cyst involving the peroneal nerve, and 1 patient had his tibial nerve involved. Two patients were operated for recurrent ganglion cysts with severe postoperative neurological deficits, after preceding operations in other institutions. The other 2 patients had no history of previous surgery, and they had their initial surgical treatment in our institute for primarily diagnosed ganglion cysts. With a mean follow-up of 24 months, all patients experienced pain relief. Significant improvement of motor deficits was achieved in 3 patients. No recurrences were encountered during the 24-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Intraneural ganglion cysts in children can be treated with excellent outcome in experienced and dedicated centers, which specialize in peripheral nerve microsurgery.