Ultrasound-guided aspiration of wrist ganglions: a follow-up survey of patient satisfaction and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Ganglion cysts are one of the most frequently occurring masses of the wrist, often causing pain and interfering with daily activity. Ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration is a treatment for ganglion cysts of the wrist.

PURPOSE: To examine the results and patient satisfaction of US-guided aspiration of wrist ganglion cysts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records from August 2009 through December 2013 were reviewed to identify all adult patients referred to a single musculoskeletal radiologist for US-guided aspiration of a painful wrist ganglion cyst. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, cyst size, location, and morphology. Outcomes and patient satisfaction were evaluated using a telephone questionnaire at a minimum of 9 months after the procedure.

RESULTS: Of 56 consecutive patients identified, follow-up data were available for 39 patients (69%) at a minimum of 9 months. There were 21 volar and 18 dorsal ganglion cysts. The overall recurrence rate was 20% (8 of 39 patients) and only five patients reported a pain score of greater than 2 out of 10. The mean age of patients with recurrence of the cyst was greater than that of patients without recurrence (52 vs. 35 years, P = 0.03). Satisfaction with the outcome was high and varied by recurrence. There were no acute complications including infection, hemorrhage, or allergic reaction.

CONCLUSION: US-guided aspiration is a safe and potentially effective treatment for ganglion cysts of the wrist, with high patient satisfaction. US-guided aspiration may be particularly advantageous for volar ganglion cysts, and in patients who are poor surgical candidates.