HS10: LONG TERM FOLLOW UP OF PATIENT SATISFACTION FOLLOWING SURGICAL EXCISION OF WRIST GANGLIA

Abstract

A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate the long term results of surgically excised wrist ganglia over a six year period between January 1998 and March 2005.

The study involved patients who had undergone ganglion surgery around the wrist joint who were contacted by telephone and on whom a follow-up questionnaire was performed. The study included 117 patients with a mean follow up period of 4.2 years (range 1.5 – 8.7 years). There were 40 (34%) dorsal and 77 (66%) volar ganglia. The recurrence rate for surgically excised dorsal ganglia was 32.5% and for volar ganglia was 46.8%. Recurrence occurred in 58% of patients who had previously had their ganglion aspirated. The overall risk of developing a moderate to severely tender scar was 19% and an unsightly scar 9%. In those patients with recurrence of their ganglia, this was 33% and 8% respectively. Despite 49 patients experiencing recurrence, 24 were still satisfied with their treatment and 30 patients would still choose surgical treatment again knowing the risk of recurrence

This study questions the effectiveness of surgery in the treatment of wrist ganglia in that recurrence rates are similar to rates seen in studies merely observing or aspirating ganglia. Not only does one have to question the surgical risks that are undertaken but also the demands on healthcare resources.