Multiple Punctures and Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Ganglion Cyst

Han, Soo Hong; Yoon, Hyung Ku; Shin, Dong Eun; Kim, Jae Wha; Ok, Hyun Soo

Abstract

PURPOSE
Authors applied multiple punctures and steroid injection as a modified treatment of ganglion cyst and report objective and subjective outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We prospectively evaluated 40 patients with ganglion cysts of hands and wrists who underwent multiple punctures and steroid injection. Symptom improvement, recurrence rate and complications were evaluated after minimum follow-up period of 12 months.
RESULTS
Pain and discomfort improved in 31 patients (78%), however, recurrence was observed in 32 patients (80%). The factors associated with low recurrence rate included ganglions located at the hand or palm, with small diameter, and with short period of symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Multiple punctures and steroid injection resulted in relatively high recurrence rate of mass itself in the treatment of ganglion cyst. However, from the view point of symptom improvement, this procedure could be considered as a simple modified treatment before surgical excision.