Treatment of mucous cysts of the fingers: review of 134 cases with minimum 2-year follow-up evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of a single surgeon's treatment of mucoid cysts, comparing outcomes between injection and surgery.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-four cysts were treated, with a minimum 2-year follow-up period. Thirty-one patients had nail ridging or deformity at presentation. Eighty patients had multiple soft-tissue punctures into the cyst with a 25-gauge needle and injection with local anesthetic and steroid. Fifty-four patients had surgical excision and joint debridement.


RESULTS
In the injection group, complete resolution of the cyst occurred in 48 cases (60%). Among the 32 that recurred, repeat injections were performed in 8 cases; 3 resolved. No recurrences were noted in the surgery group. Nail ridging resolved after surgery in 25 digits; the remaining 6 digits had partial improvement or persistent ridging. Five infections occurred and were treated successfully with antibiotics (4) or debridement (1), or both.


CONCLUSIONS
Aspiration and injection was convenient but had a 40% recurrence rate. Surgery provided definitive treatment with no major long-term problems.
Rizzo
Marco
M
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Beckenbaugh
Robert D
RD
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003560:Cysts / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000601:surgery; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009093:Mucus; D011677:Punctures; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001623:Betamethasone