[Favorable results of surgical treatment of mucoid cysts of the fingers and thumb in 20 patients, Leyenburg Hospital, Den Haag, 1992-99].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of the surgical treatment of mucoid cysts of the fingers and thumb.


METHODS
Retrospective, descriptive.


METHODS
In 20 patients admitted to the Leyenburg Hospital in the Hague during the period 1992/'99, 24 mucoid cysts were treated by surgical excision and simultaneous removal of any pre-existing joint irregularities (osteophytes). Relevant data were collected after an average follow-up period of 2.5 years (range: 3 months-8 years) by a review of the charts, a physical examination and a questionnaire.


RESULTS
The 20 patients included 13 women and 7 men with an average age of 74 years (range: 42-84). On follow-up examination they reported decreased pain in 8 of the 10 previously painful fingers and improved function in 8 of the 9 fingers with previous function limitation. Physical examination revealed an improvement in digital excursions in 8 of the 9 patients with a pre-operative function limitation and a decreased mobility in 18 of the 24 cysts. Nail abnormalities had been present in 11 patients; these all disappeared following the operation. Of the 20 patients, 17 were very and 3 were moderately satisfied with the results of the operation. No recurrences were seen during the follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the surgical technique used were: no recurrences, no more pain or restricted movement in most patients. Other symptoms, such as longitudinal groove in the nail, recurrent discharge of the cyst and cosmetic imperfections, were counteracted successfully.
Derks
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Ziekenhuis Leyenburg, afd. Plastische Chirurgie en Handchirurgie, Den Haag.
Koch
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013581:Synovial Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013933:Thumb / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome