Ganglions of the wrist and digits: results of treatment by aspiration and cyst wall puncture.

In a prospective study, 87 carpal and digital ganglions were aspirated, multiply punctured, and digitally ruptured. Fifty percent of wrists and digits were immobilized for 3 weeks and 50% were mobilized early. Mean follow-up was 22 months. Thirty-six percent (31/87) of all ganglions treated showed a successful outcome. Twenty-seven percent (16/60) of dorsal carpal, 43% (6/14) of palmar carpal, and 69% (9/13) of palmar digital ganglions did not recur. Immobilization significantly improved the results of treatment of dorsal carpal ganglions. Forty percent (12/30) of those in the immobilization group and 13% (4/30) of those in the early mobilization group had a successful outcome (p less than 0.05).