Treatment of Wrist Ganglion Using Nd: YAG Laser

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of treatment for a ganglion with catheterized Nd YAG laser assisted arthrotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a ganglion underwent laser assisted arthrotomyt. The first procedure was the puncturing and aspiration of the ganglion using an 18 G needle under local anesthesia. The joint capsule and ligament near the origin of the ganglion were cauterized using a catheterized laser instrument (ACCUSCULPT(R), Lutronic Inc.). The patients was observed clinically and evaluated by ultrasonography. RESULTS: The average period of follow-up was 12.3 months. Among the 25 patients presented during follow-up period, 22 patients (88%) had no recurrence. Two patients had partial recurrence and 1 patient had complete recurrence. CONCLUSION: Catheterized Nd YAG laser assisted arthrotomy is considered to be an effective non-invasive method with a relatively low recurrence rate for the treatment of wrist ganglion.