WRIST
Surgery for a dorsal wrist cyst
A dorsal wrist cyst is a benign swelling that develops from the joint capsule, most commonly at the scapholunate ligament. When it becomes painful, interferes with daily activities, or recurs after aspiration, surgery may be recommended.
The procedure involves removing the cyst along with its pedicle to minimise the risk of recurrence. It is usually carried out as day surgery under local anaesthesia. Depending on the case, the cyst may be removed via open surgery or arthroscopically.
Following the procedure, a short period of immobilisation is sometimes recommended, followed by a gradual return to mobility. Activities of daily living are generally resumed within a few days, whilst strenuous exercise and sporting activities are permitted once healing is complete.
The main complications are rare: recurrence of the cyst (5–15 per cent), temporary stiffness of the wrist, pain at the scar site, infection, haematoma or, in very rare cases, damage to a sensory nerve branch.