Arthroscopic Dorsal Ligamentocapsulodesis in the Treatment of Occult Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cysts Associated with Scapholunate Instability: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Clinical Results

Background: This study aimed to evaluate our preliminary results and experience with the arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis in managing occult dorsal wrist ganglion cysts (ODGCs) associated with scapholunate (SL) instability.Methods: All patients who underwent arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis due to an ODGC with concomitant SL ligament tear were retrospectively reviewed. In addition to demographic data and length of follow-up, outcomes data that included range of motion, grip strength, modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), complications and radiographs were collected.Results: The study included 18 patients (18 wrists; 10 female and 8 male). The mean age was 32 years (range: 19-48) and the mean follow-up was 34 months (range: 24-48). The mean preoperative extension deficit decreased from 5.5 degrees (range: 0 degrees-20 degrees) to 2.7 degrees (range: 0 degrees-15 degrees) at the final follow-up (p = 0.004). The mean preoperative flexion deficits decreased from 4.4 degrees (range: 0 degrees-15 degrees) to 2.2 degrees (range: 0 degrees-10 degrees) postoperatively (p = 0.003). The mean hand grip strength significantly increased from 27.7 kg (range: 22-36) to 38.3 kg (range: 31-46) at the final follow-up assessment (p < 0.001). The mean MMWS improved from 46 (range: 25-65) pre-operatively to 91 (range: 70-100) at the final follow-up (p = 0.0002). No major intra-or postoperative complications were observed.Conclusions: SL instability may have an important role in the aetiology of ODGCs, and arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis can provide pain relief and functional improvement without recurrence at the short-to mid-term follow-up in the treatment of ODGCs.