Symptoms of Digital Mucous Cyst
- A small lump/cyst close to the nail
- Joint deformity
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Skin breakdown or infection
- Nail deformity
Digital Mucous Cyst Treatment
Book AppointmentIt is a small fluid filled ganglion look alike cyst, that occurs at the end finger joint (DIP joint), on the back of the hand close to the base of the nail.
They are formed by; Small bone hooks around the joint (osteophytes are formed as a result of arthritis of the joint) and Extra fluid from the joint make these small cysts (a reaction of the joint to arthritis).
Diagnosis
A digital mucous cyst has clinical features shown in the photograph on the right with the corresponding arthritis at the affected joint on x-ray.
Investigations
An x-ray will usually show loss of cartilage and osteoarthritis in the joint.
Digital Mucous Cyst Treatments
Non-operative treatment
If the digital mucous cyst is not causing any symptoms, it can be left alone. A silicon finger cap can be used to protect the cyst if necessary.
Operative treatment
If the digital mucous cyst is causing problems, and the arthritis is mild excision of the cyst and removal of bony extensions of the joint is recommended. The surgery is a day-case procedure usually under Local anaesthetic. A finger tourniquet is used to reduce the blood flow to the operation site. The mucous cyst, bony spikes and the affected skin are removed. Sometimes a local skin flap is required to cover the incision if the skin over the joint is very thin. Local anaesthetic is injected for post-operative pain relief and a bulky dressing is applied to protect the wound.
If the joint is very arthritic and painful with restricted movements, joint fusion is the best option otherwise the risk of mucous cyst recurrence will be high. In these situations, the joint is excised through the same incision. A screw is inserted across the joint from the tip of the finger to fuse the 2 bones of the finger together. This will stop the movement at the joint in exchange for long-term pain relief.
Aftercare and Follow Up
The hand should be kept dry and clean until the stitches are removed. One week after the procedure the dressing is reduced by the practice nurse and the sutures are removed in the clinic 2 weeks after surgery.
Hand therapy will be arranged to allow gentle range of motion activities.
When a joint fusion procedure is carried out, the joint is immobilised in a splint (made by the hand therapist) for 6-8 weeks.
Driving
As there is often one digit involved, there is no driving restriction. However, you can not drive on the day of your surgery.
Time off work
Your return to work will depend on your job. Light manual workers can return to duty in 2 – 3 weeks. Heavy manual workers can return to work after 6-8 weeks.
Scar desensitisation exercises
- Circular motion massages to the scar, from the palm moving towards the wrist using a simple moisturising cream. This must be carried out for 10 minutes, at least 3 times a day.
- Rubbing the scar on different textured materials to improve skin sensitivity.
- Submerging the hand under cold and warm water to improve the temperature sensitivity.
Risk of Digital Mucous Cyst Surgery
- Infection
- Injury to dorsal nerve, blood vessels and tendons
- Scar sensitivity (Scar desensitisation exercises after removal of stitches help to improve scar sensitivity however this can last up to 6 months after surgery)
- Recurrence (if the cyst is removed only)
- Failure to resolve all symptoms (due to arthritis)
- Further surgery (in the event of recurrence or other complications)
- Reduced grip strength
- CRPS (chronic pain syndrome: A small percentage of patients will develop a severe reaction after hand surgery, with lifelong permanent pain and stiffness which requires extensive physiotherapy and pain medication)
Book an appointment
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