Skip to main content
OrthoVellum
Knowledge Hub

Study

  • Topics
  • MCQs
  • ISAWE
  • Operative Surgery
  • Flashcards

Company

  • About Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Blog

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Copyright & DMCA
  • Refund Policy

Support

  • Help Center
  • Accessibility
  • Report an Issue
OrthoVellum

Ā© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Hand & Upper Limb
intermediate
X-Type

Mucous Cyst of DIP Joint

Hand Tumors

A 58-year-old woman presents with a small, translucent nodule on the dorsum of her right index finger, just proximal to the nail fold. She reports it has been present for 6 months and occasionally drains clear, gelatinous fluid. Examination reveals a 5mm soft, fluctuant mass between the DIP joint and the nail fold. There is a longitudinal ridge in the nail plate. Radiographs show DIP joint osteoarthritis with marginal osteophytes. Regarding mucous cysts of the DIP joint:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Mucous cysts are ganglion cysts arising from the DIP joint, typically associated with underlying ost...

B

Clinical features include a translucent or skin-colored nodule on the dorsum of the finger between t...

C

Mucous cysts are malignant tumors requiring urgent excision; they are unrelated to osteoarthritis; t...

D

Non-operative treatment includes observation (spontaneous resolution uncommon), aspiration (high rec...

E

Complications include recurrence (5-15% after proper surgical excision), infection (particularly aft...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option