Ganglion Cyst — Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

A ganglion is a subcutaneous lump or nodule of accumulated fluid produced from an adjacent joint capsule or tendon sheath. It is most frequently located around the dorsum of the wrist and the fingers. The most common site is along with the extensor carpi radialis brevis because it passes over the dorsum of the wrist joint. It is found especially in the scapholunate area. The size of the cyst can change with time and it can also disappear completely. Eventually, the cyst can expand in size, grow larger with increased wrist activity and the fluid cannot flow freely back into the synovial cavity whereas, with rest, the lump typically becomes smaller.

The cyst can expand in size or grow larger with increased wrist activity and the fluid cannot flow freely back into the synovial cavity whereas, with rest, the lump typically becomes smaller. The causes for its formation are:

• It occurs due to overuse of the wrist joint.
• Common in younger people 15-40 years.
• Women likely between 40- 70 years are commonly affected.
• Common among gymnasts occurs due to repeated stress to the wrist.
• Associated with osteoarthritis.
• Occurs prior to trauma, synovial herniation, and internal derangement.

or the piso triquetral joint, and between the A1 and A2 pulleys. Depending on the location of the cyst, patients may be present with a variety of symptoms such as:

• Dull aching pain,
• Swelling,
• Tingling,
• Tenderness,
• Muscle weakness,
• Visible lump,
• Changes in size,
• Limited movement,
• Tenderness,
• Sensory nerve dysfunction.

Pathology

Ganglion grows out of the tissues surrounding a joint, such as tendon sheaths, ligaments, and joint linings. Inside the ganglion is a thick, slippery fluid, it is similar to the fluid that lubricates the joints.

MRI scans:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to locate a ganglion cyst.

Gangliography:

Gangliography is a method used to evaluate the size and extent of a ganglion cyst. After the injection of a contrast dye, a radiograph is obtained, and the extent of the lesion is easily visible.

Visualized ultrasound:

Ultrasound is used for assessing and detecting the presence of cysts.

X-ray:

X-rays do not show a ganglion cyst, they can be used to rule out other conditions, such as a bone tumor or arthritis.

Aspiration can be one of the treatments, during this method a needle is placed into the cyst, with which the liquid material is drawn out, and then a steroid compound is injected into the empty cavity.

The surgical techniques include excision of the ganglion complex, which consists of a cyst, pedicle, and a cuff of the adjacent joint capsule. After the surgery, the wrist is sometimes kept in a splint to immobilize it.

Medication

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).

NOTE: The medication should not be taken without the doctor's prescription.

The main goal of physiotherapy is to restore the normal movement and full mobility of the hand.

Immobilization:

The wrist is immobilized by using a brace, or compression bandage.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound therapy can be used to decrease inflammation.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is used to decrease pain and inflammation.

Active range of motion exercise

Active range of motion exercises are given after surgical treatment to reduce edema relief and scar tissue reduction. Metacarpal, proximal interphalangeal, distal interphalangeal joints, and the wrist joints i.e. radiocarpal and mediocarpal joint are given exercised.

Passive range of motion exercises

Passive range of motion exercises for the hand and wrist are given to initialize the movement of the hand.

Resisted exercise:

Resisted exercises are used to strengthen the muscles of the fingers, this can be done by using squeeze ball, rubber bands, etc.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises:

The finger is kept in a flexion position by the therapist. The patient is then asked to maintain the same position for a few seconds and then asked to relax the finger. He is then asked to repeat.

Tendon gliding exercises:

The patient is asked to do tendon gliding exercises from wrist flexion with finger extension to wrist extension with finger flexion.

Blocking exercises:

The patient is asked to perform blocking exercises by laying the hand palm side up on a table. With the opposite hand, he is asked to grasp and hold the affected finger at the middle section just below the end joint. Then he bends and straightens the finger at the end joint while holding the rest of the finger straight. He is asked to repeat the same exercises for all joints and fingers.

Scar mobilization:

Scar tissue mobilization is used to restore functional mobility, it improves range of motion and also decreases pain. Stretching is done to realign the collagen fibers allowing them to return to normal. This realignment of the collagen fibers helps the tissue to tolerate the forces that are placed on it during the day.

Massage can also be given to mobilize the scar tissue. This can also loosen the adhesions between the scar and the underlying tissue and fascia. Both stretching and massage increases flexibility and ensures proper remodeling takes place.