Mucous Cysts of the Fingers

Treatment What can be done for the condition?

Treatment for mucous cysts may be either nonsurgical or surgical. The relative risks and benefits of any mucous cyst treatment should be considered carefully

Nonsurgical Treatment :

How Are Mucous Cysts Treated Without Surgery? In many cases, mucous cysts do not require intervention, as they are typically harmless and unlikely to worsen over time. Observation is often sufficient as a treatment approach. However, complications can arise if a mucous cyst ruptures. A rupture creates a direct pathway into the joint, increasing the risk of bacterial infection. If this occurs, treatment involves applying antibiotics directly to the site and wrapping the finger with a sterile dressing. Oral antibiotics are also prescribed to address the infection. In the rare event that an infection persists or worsens despite these measures, surgery may be necessary. The surgical procedure involves thoroughly cleaning the affected area, including the DIP joint, to eliminate the infection. Afterward, the finger is dressed appropriately to promote healing.

Surgery :

When Is Surgery Recommended for Mucous Cysts? Surgery is typically advised if you experience significant pain or if the cyst and surrounding skin are at risk of rupturing. One surgical option is needle puncture, where the cyst is punctured and its fluid is removed through aspiration (suction). However, this method has a success rate of less than 50%. A more effective option involves the excision (surgical removal) of the cyst along with its connection to the DIP joint. This procedure also removes the stalk of the cyst and any associated bone spurs on the DIP joint. It's important to note that excision may not alleviate pain if the underlying cause is osteoarthritis (OA). In some cases, if the skin over the cyst is tightly adhered, a small portion of the skin may need to be removed. When this occurs, a skin graft is used to cover the affected area. Surgery is generally performed under regional anesthesia, where only the arm or finger is numbed using lidocaine. Both procedures carry a slight risk of infection. Additionally, although rare, a mucous cyst can reappear even after surgical excision.

Rehabilitation :

What Can You Expect During Treatment? Nonsurgical Rehabilitation If your treatment involves observation, your doctor will ask you to monitor the cyst for any noticeable changes in size. It's important to report any significant growth or reduction to your doctor during this time. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Following surgical removal of a mucous cyst, particularly if a skin graft is used, you may need to wear a cast or splint for about two weeks. If no skin graft is required, you can typically begin moving your fingers sooner. Your doctor will guide you through specific exercises to restore full motion in the affected finger. These exercises should be continued until you can move your finger freely and without discomfort.

Mucous Cysts of the Fingers

Introduction:

Anatomy

Causes :

'Symptoms:

Diagnosis :

Treatment What can be done for the condition?

Nonsurgical Treatment :

Surgery :

Rehabilitation :

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