Abstract

Objective: Dorsal wrist ganglion cysts are common benign tumors of the upper extremity. Although surgical excision is often effective, recurrence remains a significant concern. This study aimed to assess whether demographic and radiographic features can predict recurrence following surgical excision.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 115 patients who underwent open excision of dorsal wrist ganglion cysts between 2017 and 2022. Patients were categorized based on cyst recurrence. Preoperative wrist radiographs were evaluated for radial inclination, radial height, palmar tilt, ulnar variance, radioscaphoid angle, radiolunate angle, capitolunate angle, and scapholunate angle. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors.
Results: Recurrence occurred in 25 patients (21.7%), significantly more common among females (p = 0.008) and those with increased radial height (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis confirmed female gender (OR: 3.65; p = 0.04) and radial height (OR: 1.466; p = 0.003) as independent predictors. ROC analysis showed moderate accuracy for radial height (AUC: 0.668), with a cutoff of 12.5 mm.
Conclusion: Female gender and greater radial height are associated with increased risk of recurrence. Radiographic assessment may assist in risk stratification, though prospective validation is warranted.

Key words: Cyst recurrence, Gender, Radiographic parameters, Radial height, Wrist surgery