Fascial flap for recurrent ganglion.
INTRODUCTION: Recurrence of a dorsal wrist ganglion following surgery is not uncommon and we propose a technique to deal with the problem. METHOD: A flap of extensor retinaculum is used to fill the defect left in the wrist capsule following repeat radical excision of the recurrent ganglion. The flap is based on a distal arterial pedicle, usually the intercompartmental 2:3 supraretinacular artery or one of its branches. RESULTS: Eight patients have been operated with a mean follow-up of 28 months. So far there have been no recurrences. CONCLUSION: Full recovery of wrist function ocurred in all cases except one who had slight restriction of flexion. We believe this to be a useful technique but a larger series with longer follow up would be needed to show its true value.