SCLEROTHERAPY WITH 75% HYPERTONIC GLUCOSE TO TREAT DORSAL SYNOVIAL CYSTS OF THE WRIST

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cure rate for dorsal synovial cysts of the wrist with aspiration and percutaneous sclerotherapy using 75% hypertonic glucose. METHODS: We enrolled 45 patients older than 18 years with untreated dorsal synovial cysts of the wrist. They underwent percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy with 75% hypertonic glucose 75%. A maximum of two procedures were conducted for each cyst at a 4-week interval. We analyzed age, sex, affected side, history of previous trauma, wrist goniometry, grip strength, wrist pain by the visual analogue scale, complications, and hand function questionnaire scores. RESULTS: We evaluated 45 patients (30 female, 15 male, mean age 38.2 years with 47 cysts). Four weeks after the first procedure, 72.3% cysts were palpable and visible. At 24 weeks after the first procedure, 57.4% cysts evolved to cure and 42.6% persisted. CONCLUSION: Treatment of dorsal synovial cyst of the wrist with aspiration and percutaneous sclerotherapy using 75% hypertonic glucose achieved a 57.4% cure rate after 24 weeks. Level of Evidence IV, Case series