Excision of Dorsal Wrist Ganglia

Conclusion

Arthroscopic excision of dorsal ganglia is a reasonable alternative to open excision, with decreased postoperative morbidity. Arthroscopic excision has been shown to equal, if not lower the risk of recurrence, as compared with open excision. This lower risk of recurrence in preliminary studies, combined with more rapid improvement in postoperative range of motion is a significant advantage over open excision. Arthroscopic excision allows precise identification and excision of the stalk of the ganglion from the scapholunate interosseous ligament under magnified conditions. It allows protection of the scapholunate interosseous ligament as it is directly visualized under bright light and in well-magnified conditions. This may potentially lower the risk of injury to the interosseous ligament as compared to open excision.¹⁷ Simultaneous arthroscopic evaluation of the radiocarpal and midcarpal spaces allows detection and management of any additional intra-articular pathology that may be extant. This also allows the patient to trade a bump for a portal rather than a scar, which is pleasing to those patients who feel cosmesis is important.