Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that appears as a lump, usually at the top or underside of the wrist. These cysts can also develop at the base of a finger or at the end joint of a finger, where they are called mucous cysts.

When to Seek Treatment for a Ganglion Cyst
In some cases, a lump is the only sign of a ganglion cyst. But if the cyst puts pressure on nearby nerves, it can cause pain, tingling, or muscle weakness, or interfere with your grip strength or range of wrist motion. If you’re having symptoms like these, it’s a good idea to see a hand and wrist specialist for a thorough evaluation and to learn about your treatment options.

We Treat the Full Range of Hand and Wrist Conditions
This includes injuries in amateur and professional athletes of all ages. Many come to Duke from other parts of the country for our expert sports-injury care. We often help patients who come to us after treatment at other centers has failed.

Advanced Care from Skilled Experts
Our hand and wrist surgeons are skilled in the most advanced surgical techniques for repairing injuries, correcting deformities, and restoring function. This includes wrist fusion and wrist replacement surgeries. Whenever possible, our surgeons offer minimally invasive procedures, which can reduce your healing time.

Specially Trained Hand Therapists
Occupational therapists who specialize in hand and wrist conditions are located right in our clinics. They provide customized therapy to help you recover from surgery as quickly as possible -- or avoid the need for surgery altogether.

We’re Innovators and Teachers
Our hand and wrist specialists have developed new treatment techniques and devices that are now used across the country. They’re also teachers who train the next generation of orthopaedic specialists in complex surgical procedures.