Wrist Ganglion Excision

At SOS, we suggest a combined wrist arthroscopic and ultrasound-assisted ganglion decompression. This technique allows visualisation of the ganglion “stalk” with ultrasound and localisation with a needle. The ganglion can then be decompressed from the joint side under direct vision with arthroscopy.

Traditional ganglion excision requires a large incision. Open surgery involves finding the ganglion from the “outside”, and sometimes it is difficult to find the “stalk” of the ganglion. Failure to remove this tissue and the capsule or ligament from which it arises can lead to an unacceptable recurrence rate.

Finding and treating the ganglion from the joint side where it arises makes sense, as this approach allows you to address the source of the problem and any other associated pathology simultaneously.

Traditional open excision requires a larger scar and can lead to high recurrence rates if the deep tissue which causes the ganglion is not removed.