Wrist Conditions

Wrist Masses: Ganglion Cysts, Benign masses, and malignant masses

Wrist masses are very common, and typically the majority are ganglion cysts that are basically a hernia of the ligaments of the wrist joints. Most commonly the mass is soft, and increases in size with activity. Sometimes it gets smaller, and then gets bigger again. They are located on top of the wrist, but sometimes on the bottom side where the thumb is located. You may experience pain and discomfort. The goal of treatment is to identify what type of a mass you have, and if its benign or malignant. Ganglion cysts can be removed, and the small hernia (weakness) in the ligament fixed. All masses are removed and sent for pathological evaluation to make sure they are benign.

Ligament Injuries/Tears: Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear, Scapholunate ligament, and Lunotriquetrial ligament 

The triangular fibrocartilage complex, also known as TFCC, is a ligament that has both cartilage and a fibrous component that allows the wrist bones and the two bones in the forearm to move. The scapholunate and lunotriquetrial ligaments allow your wrist to also move in all directions without pain. These ligaments are important for your wrist to flex, extend, and move normally. You may have symptoms of a tear or trauma to this ligament if you have pain with any side to side movements of your wrist. There may also be swelling, and loss of strength when grabbing objects. The goal of treatment is to identify if there is a tear/injury to the ligaments of the wrist, and treat the injury in a conservative manner. If surgery is indicated, we perform the surgery via a minimally invasive approach using a small camera via tinny holes known as wrist arthroscopic surgery.