Wrist ganglia aspirations

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings

• Ganglia of the wrist are cystic lesions filled with fluid that derive from the degeneration of periarticular or peritendinous soft tissues.

• The lesions present either as palpable asymptomatic swellings (cosmetic deformity) or as painful or tender masses. Pain results from pressure on the capsule. The occult dorsal ganglion is a small, painful lesion at the dorsal side of the wrist that cannot be palpated or found with clinical examination. Occasionally a ganglion may compress vessels or nerves.

• Findings may include anechoic or hypoechoic well-defined lesions with posterior enhancement close to a joint or tendon sheath that may communicate with it through a tortuous pedicle.