A synovial cyst shouldn’t stop you from moving.
A synovial cyst is a sac filled with synovial fluid (gel-like) that forms at the level of a joint, most commonly the radiocarpal joint (wrist).
Due to trauma, intense or repetitive physical effort, there is a weakening of the joint capsule, leading to the formation of a cyst. This cyst appears as a subcutaneous ganglion.
The diagnosis is made clinically by the plastic surgeon, often requiring a musculoskeletal ultrasound for precise localization and to describe the content, in order to differentiate it from a tumor or from solid or mixed content.
The ultrasound can also reveal the involvement of a blood vessel (artery).
Surgical treatment
The recommended treatment is surgical (cystectomy).
A small incision is made under local anesthesia to remove the cystic formation in order to reduce the risk of recurrence.
After the surgical procedure, the patient can go home. A follow-up is done with dressing changes 2–3 days post-surgery, and the sutures are removed after 14 days.
Before/ After
