Ganglion Cysts
Expert Diagnosis & Management by Hand and Wrist Specialist Dr Oscar Brumby‑Rendell
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that often appears on the wrist, hand, or fingers. These benign cysts can vary in size, sometimes causing pain, stiffness, or cosmetic concern. Dr Oscar Brumby‑Rendell, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon in Adelaide, offers personalised, modern care for ganglion cysts—both surgical and non-surgical—to restore function and relieve discomfort.
Causes and Risk Factors
The direct cause of Ganglion cyst development is largely unknown. Many medical professionals theorise that Ganglion cysts develop due to overuse or trauma, and may arise due to small tendon membrane tears resulting in lubricating fluid leaking.
There are, however, specific factors that seem to increase the likelihood of Ganglion cyst development, including:
- Gender and age - These cysts are predominant in women between 15 and 40.
- Joint or tendon injury - The risk of Ganglion cyst development seems to increase after previous tendon or joint injuries.
- Osteoarthritis - Arthritic finger joints increase the risk of developing these cysts.
- Stress - Ganglion cysts are common in gymnasts whose wrists and hands are frequently under stress.
Causes and Risk Factors
The direct cause of Ganglion cyst development is largely unknown. Many medical professionals theorise that Ganglion cysts develop due to overuse or trauma, and may arise due to small tendon membrane tears resulting in lubricating fluid leaking.
There are, however, specific factors that seem to increase the likelihood of Ganglion cyst development, including:
- Gender and age - These cysts are predominant in women between 15 and 40.
- Joint or tendon injury - The risk of Ganglion cyst development seems to increase after previous tendon or joint injuries.
- Osteoarthritis - Arthritic finger joints increase the risk of developing these cysts.
- Stress - Ganglion cysts are common in gymnasts whose wrists and hands are frequently under stress.
Symptoms of Ganglion Cysts
Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the cyst:
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Visible bump on wrist or hand
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Pain or tenderness, especially with movement
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Reduced range of motion or wrist stiffness
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Weakness or discomfort when lifting objects
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Occasional numbness or tingling if the cyst presses on a nearby nerve
Smaller cysts may be painless, but surgery might be considered if they interfere with daily activities or cause persistent symptoms.
Diagnosis of Ganglion Cysts
If you believe a Ganglion cyst is developing in your hand, you should have this examined by a medical professional to ensure you are not experiencing symptoms for another hand or wrist condition. Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell is an orthopaedic surgeon who can assess your hand to establish if you have a Ganglion cyst or another condition.
At your consultation, Dr Brumby-Rendell will discuss your medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination to make a diagnosis. Here, he will gently place pressure on your hand to discover tenderness or pain.
This physical examination is generally the only assessment required for diagnosis. However, in some complex cases, other assessments may be needed to reach an evidence-based diagnosis, including:
- Removing cyst fluid using a syringe
- An ultrasound, which evaluates cyst firmness
- An MRI, which examines cysts invisible to the eye and identifies if surrounding vessels, nerves or tendons are affected by the cyst
- X-ray tests may also be implemented to ensure symptoms are not caused by other illnesses or diseases, including arthritis.
Treatments
Non-Surgical Treatments
Initial management usually focuses on conservative strategies:
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Observation and reassurance, especially if cyst is painless or small
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Activity modification to reduce stress on affected joint or tendon
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Immobilisation or splinting for symptomatic relief
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Aspiration (fluid removal) can provide temporary relief, though cysts often recur
These approaches are best suited for mild cases or patients wishing to avoid surgery.
Surgical Treatments
If conservative options fail or the cyst is bothersome, surgical excision may be advised. Dr Brumby‑Rendell performs:
Arthroscopic or Open Excision of Ganglion
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Complete removal of cyst and its stalk to reduce recurrence
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Often done as day surgery under regional or general anaesthetic
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Minimises impact on surrounding tissues and promotes quicker recovery
Surgical removal typically offers the most definitive relief, with a lower recurrence rate compared to aspiration.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Healing timelines vary based on cyst location and treatment approach:
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Post-op splinting or bandaging for 1–2 weeks
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Stitches removed around 10–14 days
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Return to light activities within a few days to a week
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Full activity and hand function restored within 4–6 weeks
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Hand therapy recommended if stiffness or reduced mobility occurs
Dr Brumby‑Rendell will tailor a follow-up plan to support a smooth, full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Several factors seem to increase risk:
- Repetitive stress or overuse of wrist joints (e.g. gymnasts, people doing repetitive manual work).
- Age and sex: they are more common in younger adults (15-40) and women are more often affected than men.
- Underlying joint or tendon sheath irritation or degeneration, even if mild.
How Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell can help
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell provides consultation and treatment in Adelaide for various hand and wrist conditions.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell has extensive upper limb experience in areas of diagnosis, treatment and surgery. In your consultation, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell will develop a treatment plan with you to ensure the best possible results for your hand or wrist condition.
Click for more information regarding shoulder, hand, wrist, and elbow conditions which Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell has experience in treating.
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Watch more hand and wrist practices and examination with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell below. Book a consultation with Oscar Brumby-Rendell and get your wrist checked today!