Ganglion Cyst

The word "ganglion" is Greek for "knot of tissue." Ganglion cysts are quite common. They consist of a sack filled with a clear oily material (synovial fluid). They may develop as a result of trauma, but can also develop without any identifiable cause.

A ganglion cyst will produce a bulge on either side of the wrist. A ganglion may cause a dull ache (when the wrist is bent), stiffness, and occasional weakness of the wrist.

Dr. Cummins often drains the fluid out of the cyst in the office with a needle. However, there is a 60% chance the empty sack will refill and produce another ganglion. Removing the ganglion cyst entirely is an outpatient procedure that takes less than one hour. After the surgery, patients wear a splint for one week; stitches are removed after two weeks. Strenuous activity and strengthening exercises should be avoided for at least six weeks. Although chances are significantly reduced by surgery, a ganglion may redevelop in the same area at a later date.