Patient-based outcomes following surgical debridement and flap coverage of digital mucous cysts.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate patient-based outcomes and complications following excision of mucous cysts, joint debridement, and closure with one of three types of local flaps.

Methods: From 2000-2011, 35 consecutive patients with 37 digital mucous cysts were treated surgically. The surgical procedure included excision of the cyst together with the attenuated skin, joint debridement on the affected side including capsulectomy, and removal of osteophytes. Depending on the size and location of the cyst, the skin defect was covered by a transposition flap (31 cysts), an advancement flap (two cysts), or a rotation flap (four cysts).

Results: At an average follow-up time of 4 years, 4 months, there was no wound infection, flap necrosis, or joint stiffness. Preoperative nail ridging resolved in seven of nine fingers, and no nail deformities developed after surgery. One cyst, treated with a transposition flap, recurred 10 months after surgery. The average satisfaction score for the affected finger significantly improved from 4.3 to 6.8, and the average pain score decreased from 4.7 to 2.3.

Conclusion: This treatment protocol provides reliable results. Patients were satisfied with the reduction of associated pain and the postoperative appearance of the treated finger, and postoperative complications were minimal.