Factors associated with self-reported pain and hand function following dorsal wrist ganglion excision

This study aimed to analyse which factors contribute to pain and limited hand function after dorsal wrist ganglion excision. We included 308 patients who underwent surgery between September 2017 and August 2021. Patients completed baseline questionnaires and the patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation questionnaire at baseline and 3 months postoperatively. We observed an improvement in postoperative pain and hand function, but individual outcomes were highly variable. We performed stepwise linear regression analyses to examine which patient characteristics, disease characteristics and psychological factors were associated with postoperative pain and hand function. Higher postoperative pain intensity was associated with recurrence following previous surgery, treatment of the dominant hand, higher baseline pain intensity, lower credibility the patient attributes to the treatment and longer symptom duration. Worse hand function was associated with recurrence following prior surgery, worse baseline hand function and lower treatment credibility. Clinicians should take these findings into account during patient counselling and expectation management.

Automated summary

This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to pain and limited hand function after dorsal wrist ganglion excision. A total of 308 patients were included in the analysis, who underwent surgery between September 2017 and August 2021. The findings showed that postoperative pain and hand function improved, but varied greatly among individuals. Factors such as recurrence following prior surgery, baseline pain intensity, treatment credibility, and symptom duration were associated with higher postoperative pain intensity. Recurrence following prior surgery, baseline hand function, and treatment credibility were associated with worse hand function. These findings have important implications for patient counselling and expectation management.