A study to determine recurrence rates and patient satisfaction after ultrasound-guided aspiration of wrist ganglions

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the recurrence rates and patient satisfaction after US-guided aspiration of wrist ganglion cysts during the follow-up of one year.Material and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted over a period of 18 months during which all patients presenting with ganglions in the wrist and above the age of 18 years were included. US-guided aspiration was done for all of them after which they were followed for one year to determine the recurrence rate and patient satisfaction. Results: Out of 56 patients enrolled in the study, 50 responded to the follow-up and were included in the study for final analysis. Recurrence occurred in 10 cases out of 50 cases with a recurrence rate of 20%. Compared to the non-recurred cases, cases with recurrence had significantly more size (2.2 +/- 0.4 vs 1.2 +/- 0.3 cm, p=0.02) but comparable morphology and location (p>0.05). The patient satisfaction score was significantly better (p