Coexisting intraarticular disorders are unrelated to outcomes after arthroscopic resection of dorsal wrist ganglions.

BACKGROUND: Dorsal wrist ganglions are one of the most frequently encountered problems of the wrist and often are associated with intraarticular disorders. However, it is unclear whether coexisting intraarticular disorders influence persistent pain or recurrence after arthroscopic resection of dorsal wrist ganglions.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We investigated (1) which intraarticular disorders coexist with dorsal wrist ganglions and (2) whether they influenced pain, function, and recurrence after arthroscopic ganglion resection.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 41 patients with primary dorsal wrist ganglions who underwent arthroscopic resection. We also obtained VAS pain scores and the Mayo Wrist Scores (MWS) preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter postoperatively. Minimum followup was 24 months (mean, 38.9 months; range, 24-60 months).

RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had other coexisting intraarticular disorders: 18 triangular fibrocartilage complex tears and nine intrinsic ligament tears. All coexisting disorders were treated simultaneously. Two years after surgery, the mean VAS pain score decreased from 2.4 to 0.6, and mean grip strength increased from 28 to 36 kg of force. The mean active flexion-extension showed no change. The mean MWS improved from 74 to 91. Three ganglions recurred. There was no difference in mean VAS pain score and MWS preoperatively and at 2 years after surgery or recurrence of ganglions between patients with or without coexisting lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: Intraarticular disorders commonly coexist with ganglions but we found they were unrelated to pain, function, and recurrence after arthroscopic resection of the ganglion when the intraarticular disorders were treated simultaneously.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.