title: Ultrasound-guided aspiration of wrist ganglions: a follow-up survey of patient satisfaction and outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ganglion cysts are one of the most frequently occurring masses of the wrist, often causing pain and interfering with daily activity. Ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration is a treatment for ganglion cysts of the wrist.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the results and patient satisfaction of US-guided aspiration of wrist ganglion cysts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records from August 2009 through December 2013 were reviewed to identify all adult patients referred to a single musculoskeletal radiologist for US-guided aspiration of a painful wrist ganglion cyst. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, cyst size, location, and morphology. Outcomes and patient satisfaction were evaluated using a telephone questionnaire at a minimum of 9 months after the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 56 consecutive patients identified, follow-up data were available for 39 patients (69%) at a minimum of 9 months. There were 21 volar and 18 dorsal ganglion cysts. The overall recurrence rate was 20% (8 of 39 patients) and only five patients reported a pain score of greater than 2 out of 10. The mean age of patients with recurrence of the cyst was greater than that of patients without recurrence (52 vs. 35 years, P = 0.03). Satisfaction with the outcome was high and varied by recurrence. There were no acute complications including infection, hemorrhage, or allergic reaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  US-guided aspiration is a safe and potentially effective treatment for ganglion cysts of the wrist, with high patient satisfaction. US-guided aspiration may be particularly advantageous for volar ganglion cysts, and in patients who are poor surgical candidates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA Josh.zeidenberg@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zeidenberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Aronowitz
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Landy
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Patrick W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Owens
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jose
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D045888:Ganglion Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012008:Recurrence; D013396:Suction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D014953:Wrist / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Ganglion cyst; aspiration; musculoskeletal diseases; percutaneous; ultrasound; wrist