Volar retinacular ganglions (flexor tendon sheath ganglions) - the results of surgical treatment

Volar retinacular ganglions are the third most common group of all ganglions located in the hand and wrist region. The purpose of this work is to present our experience in management and the results of operative treatment of volar retinacular ganglions. One-hundred-and-seven patients were operated-on for volar retinacular ganglions between 2000 and 2014. One-hundred-and-eight ganglions were resected. Complications observed in five patients postoperatively (digital nerve irritation, restricted range of motion of digital joints) resolved within several weeks. At final follow-up, no ganglion recurrence, impairment of finger mobility, innervation or blood supply were observed in any of the patients. Conclusions: Volar retinacular ganglions are solitary, unilocular tumours, with markedly higher incidence in women and equal distribution between body sides. They are most common in the palmodigital crease of the middle and index fingers. Operative treatment of volar retinacular ganglions is associated with a very small risk of permanent complications and recurrence.