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Ganglion Cysts in Raleigh, Durham, Garner and the Triangle

Ganglion Cysts are non-cancerous growths commonly seen in the hand and wrist. These cysts usually occur on the back of the wrist, the palm side of the wrist on the thumb side, at the end of a finger (usually associated with arthritis), and at the base of a finger within the tendon’s gelatinous sheath.

Ganglion cysts commonly occur for no specific cause. There may have been an injury or repetitive overuse strain to the area evoking this inflammatory response. Ganglion cysts are often painful, especially in the early appearing stage and remain that way if use of the hand remains constant and strenuous. These ganglion cysts may change in size and appearance and at times can disappear for no apparent reason.
 

Developing A Diagnosis for a Wrist Ganglion Cyst

The typical diagnosis will be based on the location and appearance of the cyst. X-rays may be ordered to rule out any nearby joint pathology. Ultrasound testing is also an option when the cyst is not clearly palpable or visualized.

Raleigh-Durham, NC Wrist Ganglion Cyst Treatment Options

Treatment for Ganglion Cysts can range from conservative to surgical. On some occasions, ganglion cysts resolve without any additional treatment. Resting the wrist and hand can be very helpful and can be accomplished through the use of a wrist splint. Local aspiration (drainage) of the cyst followed by steroid injection is an option, which has been found to be more successful with cysts located in the flexor tendon gelatinous sheath vs ganglions located at the wrist. The use of an object to crush the cyst is not a recommended treatment option.

In the event that conservative measures have failed, surgery is an option that can be used, especially in the case of painful ganglion cysts that limit activity or present with unacceptable cosmetic appearance. This procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis. Post-operatively the wrist is bandaged and placed in a splint. Range of motion and other exercises can be instituted within several days to one week. Stiffness is usually present for several months but will usually return to normal over time.

Ganglion cysts in general have about a 10 % recurrence rate.

For more information on how the wrist ganglion cyst specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC