Digital mucous cyst marsupialization: Surgical technique

Digital mucous cysts are benign synovial fluid collections that typically involve the lateral or dorsal surfaces of the distal interphalangeal joints (DIPJs) or beneath the proximal nail fold. They are typically found in the setting of arthritic degeneration of the underlying joint and occur most frequently between the fifth and seventh decades. 1 Many treatment options for digital mucous cysts have been described, ranging from conservative/minimally invasive to complete surgical excision, with no consensus on best technique. Here, a surgical approach is presented which allows access to address the cyst pedicle as well as any underlying osteophyte while preserving the overlying skin with good outcomes even with compromised or involved dermis and epidermis. This is a reproducible, readily adaptable technique. The surgical technique is presented and reviewed in detail.

Effects of Postoperative Splinting on Outcomes following Digital Mucous Cyst Excision: A Retrospective Review

Background

Digital mucous cysts (DMCs) are masses on the fingers that can be definitively managed with surgical excision. Though uncommon, surgical site infections can develop into septic arthritis. We sought to determine whether postoperative splinting decreases rates of postoperative infection and the need for postoperative antibiotics. We also explored the effect of age, gender, obesity, and preoperative antibiotic administration on infectious complications.

Methods

Patients who underwent DMC excision between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the complication rates including documented infection, postoperative antibiotic administration, mass recurrence, and return to operating room. Associations were analyzed between both preoperative antibiotic administration and postoperative splinting with respect to postsurgical complications.

Results

The database search identified 373 patients who underwent 394 DMC excisions. Postoperative antibiotics were given in splinted patients at lower rates than their nonsplinted counterparts with a small-to-moderate effect size, but the difference was not statistically significant (2.7 vs. 7.5%). Preoperative antibiotic administration was not found to significantly affect the prescription of postoperative antibiotics. Splinting did not reduce rates of DMC recurrence. Patients who were splinted were more likely to have also received preoperative antibiotics. Males were given postoperative antibiotics more frequently than females (12.6 vs. 4.0%).

Conclusions

Though not statistically significant, splinted patients were prescribed postoperative antibiotics less frequently. Postoperative antibiotics were utilized more frequently than the rate of infections typically reported following this procedure, possibly indicating overcautious prescription habits or underreported suspected infections.

[Main Types of Cysts in Dermatopathology: Part 2]

This is the second article in a two-part series published in this journal, in which we examine the histopathological characteristics, as well as the differential diagnosis, of the main entities that present as cystic and pseudocystic structures in cutaneous biopsy. In this second article, we address ciliated cutaneous cysts, branchial cysts, Bartholin's cysts, omphalomesenteric cysts, thymic cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts, synovial cysts, and median raphe cysts, as well as mucocele, ganglion, and auricular and digital myxoid pseudocysts.

The current trend of proximal tibiofibular ganglion cyst: A summary of 7 case series and 61 case reports

Purpose

To review the different types of ganglion cysts surrounding the proximal tibio-fibular joint, their management options, outcomes, and recurrence.

Design

Descriptive analytical review.

Results

7 case series consisting of a total of 159 patients and 61 case reports consisting of 80 patients (with three patients having bilateral pathology) were included in this review. (Total cysts 159 + 83 = 242). The mean age was 41 years, and 71 % of the patients were males. 96.5 % of the cases were managed operatively, out of which 98 % of patients felt improvement in local symptoms and 71.5 % had improvement in neurological symptoms. Complete excision of the cyst is the primary mode of operative management. Many added procedures with complete excision are to mitigate the risk of recurrence. The recurrence rate of aspiration, simple excision alone, simple excision with recurrent articular branch neurectomy, and simple excision with PTFJ procedures were 77 %, 56 %, 11.5 %, and 0 %, respectively. Outcomes beyond recurrence were poorly reported.

Conclusion

There is not enough literature regarding the topic from which any formal systematic review can be done. Our summary suggests that aspiration alone or with steroid injection is associated with the highest recurrence rates among all the procedures. Complete excision with recurrent articular branch neurectomy should be the primary management. Revision cyst excision in isolation is an inadequate treatment option, therefore should be done in conjunction with PTFJ arthrodesis, which reduces the recurrence rates. Better quality studies are needed that report patient-centered outcomes and morbidities following PTFJ procedures.

Digital mucous cysts of the finger without osteoarthritis: optimizing outcome of long needle trajectory aspiration and injection

Digital mucous cysts are common, benign and highly recurrent tumors of the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and often associated with osteoarthritis. Multiple treatment modalities have been described, but still no consensus is stated. In the absence of degenerative changes, we promote a novel non-surgical approach. The aim of this study was to examine all patients with digital mucous cysts without underlying osteoarthritis, undergoing this injection technique and to assess outcome and complications of this procedure. This was a single center study (2018-2019) of 17 patients who received a long needle trajectory aspiration and injection for treatment of digital mucous cysts. Exclusion criteria were prior surgical treatment, post-traumatic cyst formation and the presence of radiographic distal interphalangeal joint osteophytosis. A total of 15 patients were found eligible for inclusion. The patient reports were retrospectively analyzed with a follow-up of 6 months. The primary study outcome was resolution of the cyst; secondary outcomes were complications of the procedure. Twelve (80%) resolved completely and three (20%) had limited local recurrence at 6 months. No complications were reported. None of the patients with limited recurrence desired further treatment. We believe that this technique offers a non-invasive, low-cost treatment option for digital mucous cysts, particularly in the subset of patients with ample evidence of degenerative articular changes in the distal interphalangeal joint. The described technique can be performed in an office-based setting and avoids typical surgical as well as aspiration-associated complications.

Operative outcome of mucous cyst of lesser toes: A comparison between cyst excision with osteophytectomy and distal interphalangeal fusion

BACKGROUND

To date, the optimal operative treatment for mucous cysts of the lesser toes (MCLT) has not been discussed in detail, although many previous studies have focused on treating finger lesions. Therefore, we evaluated the operative outcomes of two different procedures for MCLT: cyst excision with osteophytectomy and cyst excision with distal interphalangeal (DIP) fusion.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed and compared the clinico-radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent cyst excision with osteophytectomy (group 1, 22 cases) or cyst excision with DIP fusion (group 2, 16 cases) for MCLT between January 2010 and August 2021. The minimum follow-up duration for inclusion in the study was 12 months. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) lesser toes metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale. We also collected information on postoperative recurrence and operation-related complications.

RESULTS

The preoperative and postoperative AOFAS and FAAM-ADL scores were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05, each). However, the postoperative recurrence rate was 31.8 % in group 1 (7 of 22 cases), whereas no recurrence was observed in group 2. Every recurrence occurred within 8 postoperative weeks (mean, 4.8 weeks; range, 3-8 weeks). Nonunion of the fusion site was observed in one patient (6.3 %).

CONCLUSION

We confirmed that postoperative recurrence was significantly lower in the case of cyst excision with DIP fusion than in cyst excision with osteophytectomy for the treatment of MCLT. Clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the two procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Ganglions in the Hand and Wrist: Advances in 2 Decades

Ganglion cysts represent the most common soft-tissue mass in the hand and wrist. Ganglion cysts are most commonly encountered at the dorsal or volar aspects of the wrist, although cysts may arise from the flexor tendon sheath, interphalangeal joint, and extensor tendons. Intraosseous and intraneural ganglion cysts have also been described. Diagnosis of ganglion cysts relies primarily on history and physical examination. Transillumination and aspiration of masses may be useful adjuncts to diagnosis. Imaging such as radiography and ultrasonography may be indicated to evaluate for associated conditions, such as degenerative joint disease, or to rule out a solid or heterogeneous mass. Advanced imaging such as MRI is generally reserved for patients in whom occult ganglions, intraosseous ganglions, or solid tumors, including sarcoma, remain a concern. Treatment of ganglion cysts includes observation, aspiration or puncture with possible corticosteroid injection, and surgical excision. Nonsurgical management may result in cyst resolution in over 50% of patients. Surgical excision is associated with recurrence rates of 7% to 39%. Advances in surgical techniques have allowed surgeons to conduct arthroscopic ganglion excision, with recurrence rates similar to those of open management. This study highlights the advances in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes that have taken place over the past 2 decades for this common condition affecting the hand and wrist in the adult population.

Evaluation of the Demographic and Clinical Features of Patients With Digital Myxoid Pseudocysts and Their Response to Treatment

BACKGROUND

Digital myxoid pseudocysts (DMPs) are the most common benign degenerative lesions of the nail unit. There is currently no consensus regarding first-line treatments for DMPs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate demographic and clinical features and treatment methods of DMP and examine recurrence rates and factors that may affect recurrence.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

All patients in the authors' clinic who were diagnosed with DMP between 2013 and 2020 were included. Treatment methods were categorized as surgical excision (SE), drainage and compression (DC), simple drainage (SD), and no treatment. Responses and recurrence rates after different treatment methods were investigated.

RESULTS

Fifty-one lesions from 48 patients were included. Thirty-two lesions were treated with SE, 11 with DC, and 1 with SD, while 7 lesions were left untreated. The initial complete response rate after SE was significantly higher than that after DC. No statistically significant difference was found between the recurrence rates of the 2 treatment methods. Using intra-articular methylene blue during SE did not seem to affect recurrence rates.

CONCLUSION

Drainage and compression seems to be a safe and effective first-line treatment option for DMPs located on the proximal nail fold and distal interphalangeal joint. SE is more favorable as a second-line treatment.

Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate Sclerotherapy for Lateral Malleolar Bursitis of the Ankle

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) sclerotherapy for conservative treatment of lateral malleolar bursitis of the ankle.

Methods

We reviewed data from 20 consecutive patients (20 ankles) who underwent STS sclerotherapy between August 2018 and June 2019. After aspiration of fluid from the lateral malleolar bursal sac, 2 mL (20 mg) STS was injected into the sac. Clinical outcomes and side effects and complications were evaluated at 2 weeks, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after sclerotherapy. Responses to treatment were assessed according to degree of fluctuation, shrinkage of the bursal sac, and soft-tissue swelling. The 36-item short form survey (SF-36) was completed for each patient before and after therapy.

Results

Complete response was observed in 17 patients (85%), and partial response was observed in 3 patients (15%) after STS sclerotherapy. SF-36 physical component scores improved from 62.2 (interquartile range, 5.2) before therapy to 70.0 (interquartile range, 7.9) at last follow-up (p < 0.05). One patient (5%) experienced transient hyperpigmentation at the injection site. No major complications occurred.

Conclusions

STS sclerotherapy was an effective and safe treatment for patients with lateral malleolar bursitis of the ankle.

Bipedicle Advancement Flap for Skin Coverage after Digital Mucous Cyst Excision: A Retrospective Study of 18 Cases

Objectives

To assess the clinical outcomes of using a bipedicle advancement flap to cover the skin defects after digital mucous cyst (DMC) excision.

Methods

Data for 15 patients (18 fingers) with DMC, admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics and Surgery of the Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University from January 2016 to January 2018, were analyzed retrospectively. This study included 4 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 64 ± 7.8 years (range, 47–77 years). A total of 5 cases involved the thumb, 4 involved the index finger, 5 involved ithe middle finger, and 4 involved the ring finger. Among a total of 18 digital mucous cysts, 7 cases were in the left hand and 11 were in the right hand. Approximately 77.8% of cases had osteophytes. The cysts ranged in size from 0.5–1.0 cm to 0.7–1.2 cm. All patients underwent cyst and osteophyte excision and a bipedicle advancement flap to cover the resultant defect. The same surgical procedure was applied to all patients. Postoperative flap survival, healing, and infection were evaluated. The preoperative and postoperative ranges of motion (ROM) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) and thumb interphalangeal joints (TIPJ) were recorded. Postoperative patient satisfaction was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS, 0–10) during follow‐up visits. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to determine whether the data for the difference between the preoperative and postoperative ROM of the DIP/TIPJ were normally distributed or not. The homogeneity of variance was expressed as mean ± standard deviation. A paired t‐test was used to compare the preoperative and postoperative ROM of the DIP/TIPJ.

Results

The patients were followed up for 20 ± 6.0 months (range, 12–36 months). All the flaps survived after surgery, and the incisions healed well. The sutures were removed 2 weeks postoperatively. No infections occurred and there was no cyst recurrence at follow up. After systemic physical therapy and functional exercises, the ROM of all the fingers was restored to the preoperative ROM by 1 month after surgery. The scores for patient satisfaction with surgery by means of the VAS were 8.5 ± 1.0 points, 2.8 ± 1.4 points, 2.0 ± 1.6 points, 1.5 ± 1.2 points, and 1.1 ± 1.3 points preoperatively, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The data for the difference between preoperative and postoperative VAS scores were normally distributed. There were significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative VAS scores. The preoperative DIP/TIPJ ROM was 71.7° ± 14.0°, and the postoperative ROM at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 69.3° ± 15.3°, 70.4° ± 12.7°, 71.5° ± 15.6°, and 71.8° ± 15.6°, respectively. The data for the difference between preoperative and postoperative ROM of the DIP/TIPJ were normally distributed. No difference was found between the preoperative and postoperative ROM.

Conclusion

The bipedicle advancement flap provides a simple and effective technique for covering skin defects following DMC excision.

The outcome of minimally invasive surgery for digital mucous cyst: a 2-year follow-up of percutaneous capsulotomy

Background: Digital mucous cyst(DMC) is the most common tumor or cyst of the hand. Although many operative methods have been proposed to treat DMCs and lower the recurrence rate, many patients hesitate to have surgery. A minimally invasive treatment using percutaneous capsulotomy for the DMCs could be an alternative choice. However, the clinical results of using this method are still uncertain.Objectives: Here, we introduce the percutaneous capsulotomy method and assess the clinical outcomes and the associated complications of this method. Methods: A total of 42 digits were finally included. All patients accepted percutaneous capsulotomy under a digital ring block. Functional and radiographic assessments were made pre- and postoperatively, with a mean of 28.8 months (range, 24-33 months) of follow-up. Results: The mean duration of the appearance of DMCs before treatment was 11.6 months. Of the 19 digits with nail deformity, 14 showed an improved nail appearance. There were no skin complications. The average visual analogue scale (VAS) satisfaction score was 9.4, only two cases had experienced recurrence at the final follow up. Conclusions: This study reported that percutaneous capsulotomy could be an effective method for DMCs treatment. The recurrence rate was low and patient satisfaction was good. Nail deformities could be improved with treatment.

[Mucous pseudocysts-when and how to treat?]

The treatment of mucous pseudocysts must consider their tendency for recurrence. There are numerous established treatment options available. The decision on the optimal therapy, however, depends on the clinical presentation and symptoms as well as on possible side effects. This review presents surgical as well as nonsurgical treatment options for digital mucous pseudocysts and an algorithm is suggested. For recurrent and symptomatic lesions with pain or deformation of the nail plate, surgical excision of the pseudocyst and closure with a flap can be considered.

Effectiveness and Safety of Surgical Excision in the Treatment of Digital Mucoid Cysts

BACKGROUND

Digital mucoid cysts have a tendency for recurrence after operative intervention. Several procedures are in use.

OBJECTIVE

Retrospective evaluation for effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction by using a questionnaire after treatment for digital mucoid cysts with targeted surgical excision and closure by flap-design.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients treated with surgical excision for digital mucoid cysts at the Dermatology Department of the Ludwigshafen City Hospital between 2007 and 2011 were evaluated using a specially designed questionnaire.

RESULTS

We evaluated 31 patients. The patient group consisted of 65% women, the median age was 61 years. Seventy-eight percent of patients with nail involvement had a marked improvement or complete resolution of this complaint after surgery. A few complications (e.g., redness, pain or hematoma) were observed after treatment, but no patients required oral antibiotics. Patient evaluation of cosmetic outcome revealed high satisfaction with the procedure, nevertheless recurrence of the digital mucoid cysts was observed in 22.5% of all cases.

CONCLUSION

Surgical excision in treatment of digital mucoid cysts was shown to be effective and safe. However, possible advantages and disadvantages of this treatment option should be discussed with the patients before a decision on the kind of therapy is reached.

Digital mucous cyst: surgical closure technique based on self-grafting using skin overlying the lesion

BACKGROUND

Digital mucous cysts or myxoid cysts are relatively common, benign pseudocysts of the digits typically located at the distal interphalangeal joints or in the proximal nail fold. There are several therapeutic modalities for its treatment ranging from conservative to surgical procedures; however, there is no consensus about the best approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We describe a surgical technique based on the excision of the digital mucous cyst and reconstruction using a self-grafting from the overlying skin lesion.

RESULTS

The use of the cyst's overlying skin as a partial cutaneous graft followed by a long-term Brown's dressing, in this case, provided a satisfactory functional and esthetic result.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique is a new option for the reconstruction of digital mucous cyst defects that decreases the surgical time and avoids a graft removal of healthy skin and consequently a new scar.

Nail Disease for the Primary Care Provider

Nail disorders are a common presenting complaint for both the primary care physician and the dermatologist. Nail diagnoses are broad in scope and include infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions. Onychomycosis is an especially common nail condition, and treatment should always be preceded by appropriate fungal studies for confirmation of diagnosis. Inflammatory conditions of the nail unit can mimic onychomycosis, and a dermatologist can assist with diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Likewise, subungual tumors often require biopsy, and should be evaluated by a dermatologist who is experienced in nail evaluation and treatment.

A reliable surgical treatment for digital mucous cysts

There is no clear consensus about the best operative technique for the treatment of digital mucous cysts. We carried out a retrospective review of all patients who underwent excision of a digital mucous cyst using a local advancement skin flap over a 10-year period. A total of 69 patients were included and were reviewed at an average of 38 months (minimum 6 months) post-operatively. No patients were lost to follow-up. There was only one case of cyst recurrence. Of these 67 patients were happy with the scar and 63 patients said they would have the procedure again; 36 patients had a pre-operative nail deformity and 21 reported that the deformity grew out after the procedure.