Abstract
Background Dorsal wrist ganglia (DWG) are a common wrist pathology that affects the military
population. This study prospectively evaluates push-up performance, functional measures,
and patient-reported outcomes 6 months after open DWG excision in active-duty patients.
Methods Twenty-seven active-duty patients were enrolled and 18 had complete follow-up. Included
patients had DWG diagnosis, unilateral involvement, and no previous surgery. The number
of push-ups performed within 2 minutes was measured preoperatively and at 6 months.
Range of motion (ROM), grip strength, Pain Catastrophization Scale (PCS), Disabilities
of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Wrist Score, and visual analog scale
(VAS) pain score were measured preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and
6 months.
Results Push-up performance did not significantly change overall. Wrist flexion, extension,
and radial deviation returned to preoperative ranges. Wrist ulnar deviation significantly
increased from preoperative range. Grip strength deficit between operative and unaffected
extremities significantly improved to 0.7 kg at 6 months from preoperative deficit
of 2.7 kg. Mean scores significantly improved for the validated outcome measures—PCS
from 6.3 to 0.67, VAS pain scores from 1.37 to 0.18, DASH scores from 12.8 to 4.3,
and Mayo Wrist Scores from 80.3 to 89.4. No surgical complications or recurrences
were reported.
Conclusions Findings suggest that almost half of active patients may improve push-up performance
after DWG excision at 6 months. Significant improvements were seen in wrist pain,
ROM, grip strength, and all patient-reported outcomes, which is useful when counseling
patients undergoing excision.
Keywords ganglion cyst - patient-reported outcomes - push-up - open excision - military
