Arthroscopic resection of volar ganglion of the wrist: A new technique.

We evaluated a new arthroscopic technique for treating volar ganglion of the wrist. Arthroscopic resection of volar wrist ganglion was performed under local anesthesia to the portal sites. Arthroscopic instruments were introduced dorsally, and the intra-articular lesion at the interval between the radioscaphocapitate (RSC) and long radiolunate (LRL) ligaments was debrided under direct view. Mucinous content of the ganglion was evacuated using suction, but the ganglion sac was not removed. The technique was successful in 5 cases between August 1997 and November 1998, with an average surgery time of 55 minutes. No complications or recurrence occurred at a mean follow-up of 16.4 months. This is the first report of arthroscopic decompression of volar wrist ganglions and provides new insight into the etiology of these lesions.