Mucous Cysts

These are a benign outpouching of finger joint fluid, adjacent to the nail, which can fluctuate in size and can cause pain.  The nail can become grooved or distorted. They can become infected especially if pricked with a needle in attempt to get rid of them.

Treatment

Surgery is a day case procedure under a local anaesthetic.  The cyst is removed. Sometimes the overlying skin, is so thin that it needs to be removed as well and the defect is filled with skin from further up the finger. it is stitched, dressed and often placed in a splint.  Surgery takes about 60 minutes.

How long does it take to recover?
The dressing and splint limit the use of that finger but  the remainder of the hand can be used. The wound is checked at 1 week and at 2 weeks, the dressings and stitches are removed. The finger may be stiff and hand therapy may be required.

What can go wrong?
Surgery for cyst removal is generally safe and the results predictable with good patient satisfaction. However no surgery is without their potential risks such as infection and recurence are rare and will be discussed at the consultation.