Ganglion or synovial cyst Discussion
A ganglion or synovial cyst is a collection the lubricating synovial liquid
normally contained within a joint or tendon sheath. The patient has a
clinical picture consistent with a ganglion cyst. Diagnosis may be
confirmed in some cases by aspiration of typical jelly-like cyst contents.
Depending on their location, many cysts resolve spontaneously. An average
of one out of three wrist ganglion cysts can be expected to resolve
spontaneously, but those involving the distal interphalangeal joint (mucous
cysts) rarely go away on their own. Most cysts may simply be observed
without treatment. Surgical treatment is indicated for intractable pain,
loss of motion, numbness, unstable skin cover, or other changes in
behavior, recognizing that subjective symptoms may also be due other
underlying problems. Other options include splinting, therapy, aspiration
of the cyst and injection of local cortisone, or surgery. Surgery has the
risks of stiffness and possible recurrence of the cyst, as well as other
surgical risks.
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