AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of different treatment options for wrist ganglia.

METHODS AND RESULTS: 1700 cases were reviewed retrospectively. Of the respondents to the questionnaire, 457 (65%) patients had dorsal, 255 patients (35%) volar wrist ganglia.

Dorsal ganglia had been treated by observation in 99 (22.4%), aspiration in 57 (12.9%), aspiration plus injection in 37 (8.4%) or surgery in 249 (56.3%) of the cases. The analysis showed that the recurrence rates were 39%, 74.5%, 28.5%, and 35% respectively for each type of treatment. Scar tenderness was present in more than half of surgically treated patients. Repeat surgery was performed in 20 out of 70 (28.5%) recurrent cases. The satisfaction rate did not correlate with the recurrence rate.

For volar ganglia, treatment had been observation in 49 (19.2%), aspiration in 13 (5%), aspiration plus injection in 12 (4.7%) or surgery in 153 (60%) of the cases. The analysis showed that the recurrence rates were 28.5%, 92%, 25.5%, and 33.3% respectively. Scar tenderness was present in 67% and sensory loss in 32% of surgically treated patients. Repeat surgery was only performed in 18 out of 52 (34.6%) recurrences. The satisfaction rate was highest in the aspiration and injection group, which had the lowest recurrence rate among all treatment modalities.

CONCLUSION: The treatment of wrist ganglia needs a rethink in the light of the current findings as the complications may be difficult to justify in such a self-limiting condition.

The efficacy of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for tennis elbow was investigated using a single fractionated dosage in a randomised, double-blind study. Outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, measurements of grip strength, levels of pain, analgesic usage and the rate of progression to surgery. Informed consent was obtained before patients were randomised to either the treatment or placebo group. In the final assessment, 74 patients (31 men and 43 women) with a mean age of 43.4 years (35 to 71), were included.

None of the outcome measures showed a statistically significant difference between the treatment and control groups (p > 0.05). All patients improved significantly over time, regardless of treatment. Our study showed no evidence that extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for tennis elbow is better than placebo.