Keywords
dorsal wrist ganglia - arthroscopy - dorsal capsuloscapholunate septum
Introduction
Dorsal wrist ganglia are the commonest soft tissue tumor in the upper extremity (with
a rate of 70% in proportion).[1] They typically occur between the third and fourth decades of life, affecting women
in a 3:1 ratio,[1] and are usually asymptomatic, with preserved range of motion (ROM) and function.[1] Among patients searching for medical support, many claim pain (71%),[2] cosmetic concern (34%), or weakness (27%).[2]
The current treatment for dorsal wrist ganglia remains controversial.[3] In most of the cases, dorsal ganglia have a benign behavior and disappear in six
months,[4] with spontaneous resolution in 40% to 58% of the patients.[4] Simple aspiration has a recurrence rate of 59%.[5] For patients with painful or unsightly ganglia or those with a cosmetic concern,
surgery is currently an option.[4] Open surgical resection often leads to recurrence rate as high as 40%[1] and well-described complications in 14% of the cases,[2]
[4] such as scarring, joint stiffness,[4] scar sensitivity,[4] infection, impaired wound healing, neuroma, reduction in ROM and grip strength,[6] and carpal instability due to scapholunate (SL) ligament injury.[1] Arthroscopic resection was first described by Osterman and Raphael[7] in 1995, and it currently plays an important role in surgical management. It poses
as a simple and minimally-invasive technique with low postoperative morbidity, lower
levels of scarring, fast functional recovery, lower levels of postoperative pain,
and low complication rate.[4] It also enables the simultaneous assessment and management of intraarticular pathology.[4] Interestingly, some series of arthroscopic resections still present quite high values
of recurrence, of around 30%.[1] One of the current challenges is to know why this is happening.
Most dorsal wrist ganglia are anatomically related to the interval of the SL ligament.[8] Also, when symptomatic, they are often associated with generalized ligamentous hyperlaxity
and a positive scaphoid shift test.[1] A possible explanation for their appearance relies in mucoid dysplasia at the level
of the SL ligament, in its dorsal part.[4] Ganglia are thought to communicate with the contiguous joint capsule through sinuous
ducts with unidirectional valvular flow. Previous literature regarding SL instability
and ganglia is sparse and diverse, but it is thought that higher intercarpal laxity
could contribute to ganglia formation.[6] Many authors[4]
[9] are pointing out the importance of the dorsal capsuloscapholunate septum (DCSS)
in the mechanism of onset of dorsal ganglia. This idea has been popularized by Gustavo
Mantovani Ruggiero in several conferences (unpublished data). As the DCSS is an important
stabilizer of the dorsal capsule and it is linked to the SL ligament, when treating
dorsal wrist ganglia, surgeons might have to treat ligament hyperlaxity. One way to
address SL laxity is the dorsal capsulodesis described by Mathoulin.[10]
The current work is based on the hypothesis that higher intercarpal laxity is in the
origin of ganglia formation,[6] which could be present even before the Geissler classification enables us to classify
the instability, thus making dorsal capsulodesis potentially beneficial to every patient.
The present study aimed to compare arthroscopic resection when treating dorsal wrist
ganglia with or without the combination with dorsal capsulodesis. We present a pilot
study with a series of cases treated with these techniques and a final analysis of
the results.
Patients and Methods
Study Design
We conducted a retrospective observational study in patients diagnosed with dorsal
wrist ganglia submitted to surgery at our center between April 2012 and April 2017.
The inclusion criteria were: patients aged between 18 and 65 years at the time of
the surgery, symptomatic ganglia (pain or weakness), refractory to previous conservative
treatment (observation or aspiration) or previous open surgery, anatomic relation
to the SL ligament on diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ([Fig. 1]), postoperative follow-up longer than 12 months, consent to enrollment, and understanding
and willingness to participate in the physical examination. The exclusion criteria
were: patients under 18 or over 65 years of age, dorsal wrist ganglia other than those
anatomically related to the SL ligament on diagnostic MRI, previous arthroscopic surgery,
refusal to participate in the study, and lack of autonomy to collaborate with physical
assessment tests. A total of 19 patients were selected (3 men and 16 women); 1 patient
refused to participate, and 2 were not able to be contacted (and were considered lost
to follow-up). From a total of 16 patients, 2 groups were created: group A – simple
arthroscopic resection (SAR), with 8 patients (2 men and 6 women); and group B – arthroscopic
resection combined with dorsal capsulodesis (ARDC), with 8 patients (1 man and 7 women).
Fig. 1 Magnetic resonance imaging scan evidencing two different dorsal wrist ganglia. (A) The arrow shows a small dorsal wrist ganglia on sagittal (1) and coronal (2) views.
(B) The arrow shows a large cyst on sagittal (1) and coronal (2) views.
Surgical Technique
All surgeries were performed with the patient under general anesthesia, and a pneumatic
tourniquet was used on the affected limb (250 mmHg of pressure). The patients were
placed in the supine position, with the upper arm fixed to the table and 90° of shoulder
abduction and elbow flexion. The wrist was positioned in a vertical traction tower
applying 6 kg of traction through a hand trap. Surgery was performed through the dry
technique using a 30°-angle, 2.4-mm arthroscope, and a 2.5-mm shaver. Normal saline
solution was occasionally injected through the arthroscope cannula. Portals were made
with 2-mm transverse incisions with a No. 11 blade.
The first portal performed was 3–4 for optics, to systematically examine the wrist.
The second one was 6R to perform a systematic evaluation with a probe and inspect
the dorsal capsule and capsular fold at the SL ligament ([Fig. 2]). Ganglion debridement was performed with the arthroscope from the 6R portal and
shaver introduced into the 3–4 portal. The third (midcarpal radial portal [MRP]) and
fourth (midcarpal ulnar portal [MCU]) portals were performed. By inserting the arthroscope
in the MCU and a probe in the MCR, we obtained a capsular window to perform a midcarpal
exploration of the dorsal synovial bulge at the scapholunate interosseous ligament
(SLIL) corresponding to the intraarticular portion of the ganglion. The stalk was
located after applying mild external compression over the ganglion. The shaver was
inserted into the MCR portal and debridement of the ganglion and pf the dorsal pathologic
capsule was performed, including the mucoid dysplasia herniated into the midcarpal
joint, leaving a 1-cm2 hole. At this point, all the efforts were made to preserve the DCSS, the dorsal intercarpal
(DIC) ligament, and the extensor tendons. Instability of the SLIL was evaluated with
a probe and classified according to he Geissler classification. For Group B, a capsuloligamentous
repair was performed according to the Mathoulin technique[12] of radiocarpal portals. The arthroscope was introduced into the 6R portal. Two needles
carrying PDS (Ethicon, Inc., Raritan, NJ, US) 4–0 sutures were slipped through the
3–4 portal; then, they were anteriorly and distally shifted into the capsule and SLIL
toward the midcarpal joint. With the scope in the MCU portal and a hemostat in the
MCR portal, the sutures were grasped and the needles, removed. After removal of the
sutures, a knot was tight outside the articulation. The sutures were removed from
the 3–4 portal and the knot was settled at the SLIL ([Fig. 3]). With the arthroscope into the 6R portal, another knot was tight subcutaneously
at the 3–4 portal in the capsule, with no traction and the wrist in extension. The
portal sites were closed with adhesive sutures (Steri-Strips, 3M, Saint Paul, MN,
US), and a bulky dressing was applied.
Fig. 2 Arthroscopic image from the 6R portal showing the capsular fold at the scapholunate
ligament (arrow) between the scaphoid (left) and lunate (right).
Fig. 3 Arthroscopic image from the MCU portal showing the final aspect of the capsulodesis
with the knot settled at the scapholunate interosseous ligament.
Postoperative Treatment
Immediate postoperative wrist movements were allowed for both groups without any immobilization
prescribed by routine. Patients with documented SL instability (patients 1 and 5 in
group B) required 6 weeks of wrist restriction with an anterior splint. Physical rehabilitation
was not needed.
Outcome Measures
A single independent investigator performed the data collection and analysis. The
preoperative data was reviewed, and the clinical data was accessed at the final follow-up
visit. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and global hand function
was measured according to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire
properly validated for the Portuguese population. The wrist ROM (extension, flexion,
and radial and ulnar deviations) was measured with a classic goniometer. Grip and
pinch strengths (N) were evaluated according to the mean of three consecutive measurements
using a dynamometer (Hand-Held Dynamometer, model 01165, Lafayette Instrument, Lafayette,
IN, US). Overall satisfaction with the procedure was graded from 0 (dissatisfied)
to 5 (very satisfied). The recurrence rate was accessed clinically when, after a pain-free
interval, symptoms reoccurred, with the reappearance of a cyst at the same site as
before, and then confirmed intraoperatively in each patient. Any postoperative complications
were recorded.
Statistical Analysis
Sample variability was tested with the Wilcoxon signed-rank non-parametric test, with
a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05 for age, gender, duration of the follow-up, primary surgery or surgery for
recurrence, and the presence of associated lesions. The quantitative variables were
described as means and standard deviations according to the Prism (GraphPad Software,
San Diego, CA, US) software, version 8 for Windows 10. Strength and ROM values were
expressed as percentages of the unaffected limb. The differences between the groups
were assessed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank non-parametric test with a 95% confidence
interval and p < 0.05. The differences between preoperative and postoperative pain within the same
group were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney U test as a non-parametric test with a 95%
confidence interval and p < 0.05. The differences in recurrence rates were obtained through the Fisher exact
test.
Results
The variability results were not statistically significant regarding each of the tested
parameters. The demographic features of both groups are displayed in [Table 1]. In Group A, all the patients had a primary diagnosis. There were 2 cases of lunotriquetral
(LT) instability identified during the wrist arthroscopy assessment (Geissler 3 in
patient 4 and Geissler 1 in patient 6). Both patients were asymptomatic, and no additional
gestures were performed. In Group B, 6 out of 8 patients had a primary diagnosis,
and 2 out of 8 were reinterventions after a previous open resection. During wrist
arthroscopy, 2 cases of SL instability (patients 1 and 5, both Geissler 2) were diagnosed
and promptly treated. In addition, 1 case of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)
lesion (1D according to the Palmer classification) and LT instability (Geissler 1;
patient 2) was submitted to debridement. There was also 1 case of LT instability (Geissler
1; patient 6) in an asymptomatic patient with no additional gestures needed. These
data are detailed in [Table 2].
Table 1
|
Group A – SAR
|
Group B – ARDC
|
|
N
|
%
|
N
|
%
|
Patients included
|
8
|
−
|
8
|
−
|
Female patients
|
6
|
75%
|
7
|
88%
|
Male patients
|
2
|
25%
|
1
|
13%
|
Left side
|
4
|
50%
|
4
|
50%
|
Right side
|
4
|
50%
|
4
|
50%
|
Dominant side
|
5
|
63%
|
6
|
75%
|
Primary surgery
|
8
|
100%
|
6
|
75%
|
Reintervention
|
0
|
0%
|
2
|
25%
|
SL ligament instability
|
0
|
0%
|
2
|
25%
|
LT ligament instability
|
2
|
25%
|
2
|
25%
|
TFCC lesions
|
0
|
0%
|
1
|
13%
|
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Mean
|
SD
|
Age (years)
|
36.10
|
7.96
|
34.17
|
9.20
|
Follow-up (months)
|
30.67
|
13.90
|
29.60
|
16.80
|
Table 2
|
|
Primary surgery (yes/no)
|
Associated lesions
|
Preop. VAS (0–10)
|
Postop. VAS (0–10)
|
DASH (0–100)
|
Satisfaction (0–5)
|
Recurrence (yes/no)
|
Group A – SAR
|
Patient 1
|
Yes
|
No
|
6
|
8
|
0.00
|
3
|
Yes
|
Patient 2
|
Yes
|
No
|
9
|
0
|
0.00
|
5
|
No
|
Patient 3
|
Yes
|
No
|
8
|
2
|
0.00
|
5
|
No
|
Patient 4
|
Yes
|
LT Geissler 3
|
3
|
0
|
25.00
|
5
|
No
|
Patient 5
|
Yes
|
No
|
6
|
5
|
6.67
|
3
|
Yes
|
Patient 6
|
Yes
|
LT Geissler 1
|
9
|
2
|
2.50
|
4
|
Yes
|
Patient 7
|
Yes
|
No
|
8
|
0
|
0.83
|
5
|
No
|
Patient 8
|
Yes
|
No
|
6
|
0
|
0.00
|
5
|
No
|
Mean
|
−
|
−
|
6.88
|
2.13
|
4.38
|
4.38
|
-
|
SD
|
−
|
−
|
2.03
|
2.95
|
8.65
|
0.92
|
−
|
|
Group B – ARDC
|
Patient 1
|
Yes
|
SL Geissler 2
|
8
|
2
|
3.33
|
5
|
No
|
Patient 2
|
No (o.r.)
|
LT Geissler 1;
TFCC Palmer 1D
|
6
|
0
|
0.00
|
5
|
No
|
Patient 3
|
Yes
|
No
|
8
|
0
|
0.00
|
5
|
No
|
Patient 4
|
Yes
|
No
|
6
|
4
|
3.33
|
3
|
No
|
Patient 5
|
No (o.r.)
|
SL Geissler 2
|
5
|
2
|
2.50
|
4
|
Yes
|
Patient 6
|
Yes
|
LT Geissler 1
|
9
|
2
|
5.83
|
5
|
No
|
Patient 7
|
Yes
|
No
|
9
|
6
|
10.83
|
4
|
No
|
Patient 8
|
Yes
|
No
|
4
|
0
|
0.00
|
5
|
No
|
Mean
|
−
|
|
6.88
|
2.00
|
3.23
|
4.44
|
-
|
SD
|
−
|
|
1.89
|
2.14
|
3.71
|
0.82
|
−
|
At the last follow-up visit, the score on the VAS for pain was of 2.13 ± 2.95 for
group A, and of 2.00 ± 2.14 for group B ([Table 2]). The mean DASH score was of 4.38 ± 8.65 for group A, and of 3.23 ± 3.71 for group
B. In total, 75% of the patients in group A and 88% of the patients in group B were
satisfied (4/5) or completely satisfied (5/5) with the treatment. These results are
detailed in [Table 2]. The mean values of the functional parameters in percentages of the contralateral
side were, for groups A and B respectively: grip strength –110 ± 36% and 82 ± 26%;
and pinch strength – 103 ± 19% and 94 ± 25%. The mean values for the wrist ROM parameters
in percentages of the contralateral side were, for groups A and B respectively: extension
– 110 ± 22% and 89 ± 26%; flexion – 112 ± 45% and 93 ± 20%; radial deviation –
100 ± 13% and 115 ± 98%; and ulnar deviation – 90 ± 27% and 84 ± 30%. These results
further detailed in [Table 3].
Table 3
|
|
Grip strenght (N)
|
Pinch strenght (N)
|
Extension (o)
|
Flexion (o)
|
Radial deviation (o)
|
Ulnar deviation ( )
|
|
|
OS
|
CS
|
% OS
|
OS
|
CS
|
% OS
|
OS
|
CS
|
% OS
|
OS
|
CS
|
% OS
|
OS
|
CS
|
% OS
|
OS
|
CS
|
% OS
|
Group A – SAR
|
Patient 1
|
81.67
|
82.10
|
99
|
51.10
|
59.17
|
86
|
62.00
|
60.00
|
103
|
62.00
|
60.00
|
103
|
40.00
|
42.00
|
95
|
30.00
|
40.00
|
75
|
Patient 2
|
133.37
|
106.97
|
125
|
81.13
|
67.03
|
121
|
82.00
|
58.00
|
141
|
68.00
|
62.00
|
110
|
30.00
|
30.00
|
100
|
40.00
|
32.00
|
125
|
Patient 3
|
106.40
|
125.10
|
85
|
54.77
|
45.63
|
120
|
42.00
|
38.00
|
111
|
64.00
|
32.00
|
200
|
18.00
|
18.00
|
100
|
20.00
|
30.00
|
67
|
Patient 4
|
280.70
|
207.77
|
135
|
110.67
|
102.50
|
108
|
50.00
|
68.00
|
74
|
64.00
|
70.00
|
91
|
24.00
|
22.00
|
109
|
22.00
|
38.00
|
58
|
Patient 5
|
36.70
|
63.40
|
58
|
23.93
|
31.80
|
75
|
34.00
|
30.00
|
113
|
42.00
|
52.00
|
81
|
26.00
|
22.00
|
118
|
30.00
|
28.00
|
107
|
Patient 6
|
143.87
|
90.77
|
159
|
77.17
|
70.53
|
109
|
58.00
|
50.00
|
116
|
48.00
|
56.00
|
86
|
22.00
|
28.00
|
79
|
40.00
|
36.00
|
111
|
Patient 7
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
Patient 8
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
−
|
Mean
|
130.45
|
112.68
|
110
|
66.46
|
62.78
|
103
|
54.67
|
50.67
|
110
|
58.00
|
55.33
|
112
|
26.67
|
27.00
|
100
|
30.33
|
34.00
|
90
|
SD
|
83.08
|
51.13
|
36
|
29.88
|
24.18
|
19
|
16.86
|
14.35
|
22
|
10.43
|
12.94
|
45
|
7.66
|
8.56
|
13
|
8.52
|
4.73
|
27
|
|
Group B – ARDC
|
Patient 1
|
63.67
|
80.07
|
80
|
26.27
|
25.03
|
105
|
34.00
|
56.00
|
61
|
38.00
|
56.00
|
68
|
28.00
|
8.00
|
350
|
20.00
|
30.00
|
67
|
Patient 2
|
171.77
|
154.53
|
111
|
103.20
|
101.97
|
101
|
40.00
|
42.00
|
95
|
50.00
|
60.00
|
83
|
28.00
|
24.00
|
117
|
24.00
|
42.00
|
57
|
Patient 3
|
103.20
|
120.97
|
85
|
85.83
|
72.20
|
119
|
72.00
|
58.00
|
124
|
68.00
|
80.00
|
85
|
28.00
|
30.00
|
93
|
32.00
|
30.00
|
107
|
Patient 4
|
44.37
|
110.13
|
40
|
25.33
|
52.77
|
48
|
56.00
|
70.00
|
80
|
52.00
|
52.00
|
100
|
40.00
|
40.00
|
100
|
24.00
|
40.00
|
60
|
Patient 5
|
76.90
|
71.27
|
108
|
34.63
|
39.00
|
89
|
50.00
|
40.00
|
125
|
72.00
|
62.00
|
116
|
32.00
|
44.00
|
73
|
32.00
|
28.00
|
114
|
Patient 6
|
29.53
|
28.83
|
102
|
13.83
|
15.47
|
89
|
20.00
|
22.00
|
91
|
22.00
|
18.00
|
122
|
10.00
|
28.00
|
36
|
10.00
|
22.00
|
45
|
Patient 7
|
71.97
|
148.17
|
49
|
43.60
|
58.33
|
75
|
36.00
|
70.00
|
51
|
52.00
|
72.00
|
72
|
24.00
|
24.00
|
100
|
30.00
|
30.00
|
100
|
Patient 8
|
62.53
|
76.97
|
81
|
62.97
|
49.77
|
127
|
54.00
|
64.00
|
84
|
60.00
|
62.00
|
97
|
22.00
|
40.00
|
55
|
30.00
|
24.00
|
125
|
Mean
|
77.99
|
98.87
|
82
|
49.46
|
51.82
|
94
|
45.25
|
52.75
|
89
|
51.75
|
57.75
|
93
|
26.50
|
29.75
|
115
|
25.25
|
30.75
|
84
|
SD
|
43.74
|
42.50
|
26
|
31.71
|
27.21
|
25
|
16.07
|
16.83
|
26
|
16.12
|
18.34
|
20
|
8.60
|
11.68
|
98
|
7.55
|
7.01
|
30
|
For both groups, there was a significant decrease in the pain scores (the preoperative
and p values for groups A and B were of 6.88 ± 2.03, p = 0.0234, and 6.88 ± 1.89, p = 0.0078 respectively). There were no differences regarding preoperative and postoperative
VAS scores, DASH scores, satisfaction, ROM, and grip and pinch strengths between groups
A and B. These data are detailed in [Tables 4] and [5].
Table 4
|
|
|
Group A - SAR
|
Group B - ARDC
|
p-value
|
Preop.
|
VAS (0–10)
|
Mean
|
6.88
|
6.88
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.9969)
|
SD
|
2.03
|
1.89
|
Postop.
|
VAS (0–10)
|
Mean
|
2.13
|
2.00
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.8912)
|
SD
|
2.95
|
2.14
|
DASH (0–100)
|
Mean
|
4.38
|
3.23
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.6454)
|
SD
|
8.65
|
3.71
|
Satisfaction (0–5)
|
Mean
|
4.44
|
4.44
|
p > 0.05
(p > 0.9999)
|
SD
|
0.82
|
0.82
|
Grip strength (%CS)
|
Mean
|
110%
|
82%
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.1518)
|
SD
|
36%
|
26%
|
Pinch strength (%CS)
|
Mean
|
103%
|
94%
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.5092)
|
SD
|
19%
|
25%
|
Extension (%CS)
|
Mean
|
110%
|
89%
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.2278)
|
SD
|
22%
|
26%
|
Flexion (%CS)
|
Mean
|
112%
|
93%
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.4855)
|
SD
|
45%
|
20%
|
Radial deviation (%CS)
|
Mean
|
100%
|
115%
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.4735)
|
SD
|
13%
|
98%
|
Ulnar deviation (%CS)
|
Mean
|
90%
|
84%
|
p > 0.05
(p = 0.5937)
|
SD
|
27%
|
30%
|
Table 5
|
|
Preop. VAS (0–10)
|
Postop. VAS (0–10)
|
p-value
|
Group A – SAR
|
Mean
|
6.88
|
2.13
|
p < 0.05
(p = 0.0234)
|
SD
|
2.03
|
2.95
|
Group B – ARDC
|
Mean
|
6.88
|
2.00
|
p < 0.05
(p = 0.0078)
|
SD
|
1.89
|
2.14
|
One recurrence was recorded in 3 out of 8 patients (37.5%) in group A, and in 1 out
of 8 patients (12.5%) in group B. The differences between the groups were statistically
significant (p < 0.0001). These data are detailed in [Table 6]. Subsequently, open resection was proposed for patients from group A: 2 of them
(patients 5 and 6) with good outcomes, with no subsequent recurrence; and another
(patient 1) experienced recurrence after open resection and is currently awaiting
reintervention. A reintervention was proposed to patient 5 from group B, who is currently
awaiting surgery. No other complications were recorded.
Table 6
|
Recurrence rate (%)
|
p-value
|
Group A – SAR
|
37.5%
|
p < 0.05
(p < 0.0001)
|
Group B – ARDC
|
12.5%
|
Discussion
Arthroscopy has emerged as a keystone regarding the surgical management of dorsal
wrist ganglia due to its low postoperative morbidity, fewer complications, faster
functional recovery, and lower levels of scarring and pain.[4] Nevertheless, recurrence rates are still a matter of concern.[1]
[4] Regarding this, many authors[6] are currently confirming the role of the simultaneous treatment of ligament hyperlaxity,
specifically of the SL ligament, when resecting ganglia. Our group believes that the
routine performance of the DCSS repair could lower the recurrence rate.
Our primary purpose was to compare the clinical and functional results of SAR and
ARDC. Two groups of patients were formed with no significant differences regarding
age, gender, duration of the follow-up, primary surgery or surgery for recurrence,
and the presence of associated lesions. Groups A and B were not comparable in terms
of ligamentous laxity. For both groups, the postoperative VAS score was of around
2/10, and the DASH score was below 5/100 ([Table 2]). In both groups, more than 75% of the patients were completely satisfied with the
treatment ([Table 2]). All the functional parameters (ROM, grip and pinch strengths) reached more than
80% comparing to the contralateral side ([Table 3]). These data overlap that of the current literature.[1]
[3]
[4] There were no differences between the groups regarding any of these parameters ([Table 4]). In conclusion, SAR and ARDC enabled us to achieve good results, with no statistical
differences between adding or not dorsal capsulodesis.
There was a significant reduction in postoperative pain when comparing to the preoperative
values ([Table 5]), as it has been well described in previous studies.[11]
[12]
[15] Since one of the main reasons to seek for medical assistance is pain,[14] this is a major goal when treating ganglia. It is important to note that our group
avoids electrocautery during arthroscopy due to the risk of damaging the cartilage
and extensor tendons. Thus, this decrease in pain was perhaps attributed either to
resolution of the compression of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN), which can
occur in a few patients,[5] or to the resolution of the dorsal capsular impingement triggered by the ganglion
itself. As a matter of fact, recent studies[15] present arthroscopic debridement for redundant and impinging dorsal capsular tissue
as an isolated disorder.
The most important result of the present study is related to the recurrence rate.
In the present study, the mean follow-up was of 30.67 ± 13.90 months in group A,
and of 29.60 ± 16.80 months in group B. All the patients had at least 12 months of
follow-up. In Group A, 3 patients (37.5%) reported recurrence, whereas, in group B,
it only occurred in 1 patient (12.5%). This difference is statistically significant
([Table 6]). Besides, patients who experienced recurrence in group A did not have SL ligament
instability recorded in the arthroscopy. The only patient that experienced recurrence
in group B had grade-2 SL instability on the Geissler classification. Perhaps, besides
SL hyperlaxity itself, recurrence could be related to other reasons, namely the role
of the DCSS as a stabilizer. In Group B, by routinely performing dorsal capsulodesis,
we assured DCSS stabilization even when it was not torn or damaged. The present study
provides a starting point for additional studies to understand if dorsal capsulodesis
might significantly reduce recurrence rates when treating ganglia arthroscopically.
The present study has some important limitations. First, a power analysis was not
performed, which makes the study weak regarding type-II errors. Additionally, our
samples are small (only 8 subjects per group), which could have contributed for the
groups not being comparable regarding ligamentous laxity. We also found some differences
regarding the pre- and intraoperative ligamentous laxity, which further favors the
value of diagnostic arthroscopy in such cases. Also, for group A, it was not possible
to collect data on ROM and grip and pinch strengths for 2 out of 8 patients at the
latest follow-up visit due to their unavailability to come to our clinic in person.
On the other hand, in group B, 2 out of 8 patients were undergoing a secondary surgery.
Perhaps these subjects had more complex etiologies along with a revision surgery that
was more challenging, which might favor associated techniques, such as the dorsal
capsulodesis, to make them less prone to recurrence. Still, this adds to the differences
among individuals and, hence, to the limitations of the study.
Therefore, it becomes difficult to obtain statistical differences and to have power
to generalize our conclusions. We then chose to present these data as a pilot study.
Secondly, as a retrospective study, we had no access to some important preoperative
scores (such as those pertaining to the DASH, ROM, and strength), except for the VAS
score. Thus, one of our greatest limitations is not knowing whether there is a significant
improvement in these parameters, as it is stated in the recent literature specifically
for extension and flexion.[3]
[16]
In conclusion, SAR and ARDC provided good clinical results with no significant differences.
Dorsal capsulodesis may be an option to decrease the long-term recurrence rates, but
further studies are warranted.