How can it help?
The cause is unknown but it is thought that small tears in the tendon membrane or joint capsule caused by overuse or trauma cause the contents to squeeze out.
Occasionally ganglion cysts go away by themselves. However, where cysts persist or affect daily life, surgical removal is recommended. Surgery must be done meticulously to avoid the not infrequent recurrence of the problem.
Procedure
The surgery is usually performed at the Coffs Harbour Day Surgery or Baringa Private Hospital under general anaesthesia and with the use of a tourniquet to give good vision. The procedure can be difficult if the cyst is multi-loculated.
Recovery
Depending on the location of the excised ganglion cyst, full recovery can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. You will be fitted with a splint for about one week, after which you will be encouraged to get the joint moving again, but with some restriction.
