Sonography-guided arthroscopic excision is more effective for treating volar wrist ganglion than dorsal wrist ganglion.

The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment results of sonography-guided arthroscopic excision for volar and dorsal wrist ganglions. A total of 42 patients with wrist ganglions underwent sonography-guided arthroscopic resection. Clinical outcome measures included wrist range of motion, grip strength, patient-rated questionnaire Hand20, and numerical pain rating scale. All patients were assessed for recurrence throughout the follow-up period. Ganglions were located at the dorsal wrist in 26 cases and at the volar wrist in 16 cases. The mean Hand20 and pain scores were significantly improved after sonography-guided arthroscopic resection for both volar and dorsal wrist ganglions. Recurrence was seen in six cases (23%) of dorsal wrist ganglion but no cases of volar wrist ganglion (P < .05). The use of sonography-guided arthroscopic ganglion excision is better for treating volar wrist ganglion than dorsal wrist ganglion.