[Favorable results of surgical treatment of mucoid cysts of the fingers and thumb in 20 patients, Leyenburg Hospital, Den Haag, 1992-99].

Objective: Evaluation of the surgical treatment of mucoid cysts of the fingers and thumb.

Design: Retrospective, descriptive.

Method: In 20 patients admitted to the Leyenburg Hospital in the Hague during the period 1992/'99, 24 mucoid cysts were treated by surgical excision and simultaneous removal of any pre-existing joint irregularities (osteophytes). Relevant data were collected after an average follow-up period of 2.5 years (range: 3 months-8 years) by a review of the charts, a physical examination and a questionnaire.

Results: The 20 patients included 13 women and 7 men with an average age of 74 years (range: 42-84). On follow-up examination they reported decreased pain in 8 of the 10 previously painful fingers and improved function in 8 of the 9 fingers with previous function limitation. Physical examination revealed an improvement in digital excursions in 8 of the 9 patients with a pre-operative function limitation and a decreased mobility in 18 of the 24 cysts. Nail abnormalities had been present in 11 patients; these all disappeared following the operation. Of the 20 patients, 17 were very and 3 were moderately satisfied with the results of the operation. No recurrences were seen during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: The results of the surgical technique used were: no recurrences, no more pain or restricted movement in most patients. Other symptoms, such as longitudinal groove in the nail, recurrent discharge of the cyst and cosmetic imperfections, were counteracted successfully.