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Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision

intermediate Level

Primary Indication

Symptomatic dorsal or volar wrist ganglion

Danger Structures

  • undefined - Variable based on approach
  • undefined - Surrounding operative field
  • undefined - Bone surface
  • undefined - Joint surfaces if applicable

Visual Atlas

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We're currently sourcing high-quality anatomy diagrams for this procedure.

Step-by-Step Technique

1

Apply traction tower, 10-15 lbs traction

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
2

Establish 3-4 portal (between EPL and EDC)

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
3

Insufflate joint with saline

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
4

Establish 6R portal (ulnar to ECU)

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
5

Diagnostic arthroscopy - assess for associated pathology

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
6

SL ligament tears commonly associated with dorsal ganglia

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
7

Identify ganglion stalk (usually from scapholunate interval)

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
8

Use shaver to debride capsule over stalk

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
9

Excise stalk completely

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
10

May need to debride SL ligament if degenerative

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
11

Resect adequate capsular tissue around stalk

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
12

Volar ganglia: use volar portal with care for radial artery

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Vascular injury
  • Hemorrhage
13

Assess completeness of excision

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
14

Release traction, close portals

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Critical step in Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision - ensure proper technique and visualization.
Danger Zone
  • Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures
15

Perform intraoperative imaging/fluoroscopy to confirm adequate position and alignment

Surgeon's Tip
EXAM KEY: Documentation of intraoperative findings is crucial for Arthroscopic Wrist Ganglion Excision.
Danger Zone
  • Radiation exposure
  • Inadequate imaging