Arthroscopically assisted treatment of intraosseous ganglions of the lunate: a new technique.
OBJECTIVE
A minimally invasive technique of debridement and grafting the intraosseous ganglions of the lunate was investigated.


METHODS
Eight patients with persistent symptoms and typical radiographic and bone scan findings were assessed independently pre- and postoperatively by using a modified Green and O'Brien wrist score. The intraosseous cyst was drilled under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic guidance via either a volar or dorsal portal, depending on the position identified on the computed tomography scan. Average follow-up time was 3.8 years (range, 1-5.6 years).


RESULTS
All patients returned to employment within 4 months. Wrist scores improved 34 points, from 51 to 85 points, by 1 year after surgery with trabeculation being noted within the grafting lunate. The greatest improvements were seen in visual and analog pain scores, reducing from 68.3 to 11.2, and flexion-extension arcs, which increased from 98 degrees to 114 degrees.


CONCLUSIONS
The technique of debridement of intraosseous ganglions of the lunate is safe, with minimal morbidity and recurrence of symptoms during the follow-up period.
Ashwood
Neil
N
Department of Surgery and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
Bain
Gregory I
GI
D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002772:Cholera Toxin; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D012667:Lunate Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013581:Synovial Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014953:Wrist / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D002772:Cholera Toxin