| |
|
| |
Foot Ganglion
WHAT IS A GANGLION?
A Ganglion is a small painful swelling that typically develops near any joint or tendon. The most common site for a Ganglion to develop is on the wrist or palm, although they can also occur on or around the foot, ankle or knee joint. A Ganglion is filled with a jelly like substance and surrounded by a fibrous capsule, which is attached to surrounding tissues. However, the ganglion itself is not actually connected to other tissues.
A Ganglion can increase or decrease in size or appear or disappear without any obvious reason.
Ganglions are thought to arise because of a tiny hole developing in the lining of a joint or sheath, which leads to the lining projecting out and forming a Ganglion.
The exact reason for why certain individuals are predisposed to this condition is not fully understood, although women over the age of 50 are far more likely to suffer. This condition does not appear to be linked with any type of activity or occupation
HOW IS A GANGLION TREATED?
This first line of treatment for a patient experiencing early symptoms without pain is to simply wait and observe the situation to see if it resolves on its own accord. It is only when the condition fails to improve on its own and leads to pain that surgery may be indicated.
HOW IS A REMOVAL OF GANGLION CARRIED OUT?
The surgical procedure to drain or remove a Ganglion is usually of a minor nature and performed under Local or Regional Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes only a short amount of time to perform (approximately 10 to 15 minutes) for a single ganglion, although multiple ganglions or those that have become well anchored to complex tissues, such as nerves, can prove more lengthy to perform. Nearly all procedures of this type will be provided on a Day-Case basis.
A drainage procedure is carried out with a simple sterile needle and syringe followed by an injection of steroid to reduce the chance of further fluid build up. The complete removal of a ganglion involves an incision across the swelling and a simple shelling procedure to remove the entire ganglion from within its capsule.
Once the procedure is complete the wound will be closed with absorbable sutures and/or covered with a simple dressing and support bandage. Occasionally, a temporary light plaster cast to compress and support the operated area may also be applied.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY LIKE?
Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid complications such as excessive swelling and joint stiffness from developing. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to undertake physiotherapy exercise related to their affected area immediately after surgery. Patients are normally discharged home two to four hours later.
If a plaster cast dressing was applied to an operated area it is usually removed after five days and replaced with a light support bandage. During the next six weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their affected joint mobility and improving their range of movement through progressive physiotherapy. Your Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon will then assess your condition after six weeks to evaluate how successful the procedure has been.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH GANGLION REMOVAL?
The main risk associated with this condition is the risk of reoccurrence or the development of another ganglion. It is thought that there is a 1 in 10 chance of a ganglion returning following surgery.
Although ganglion removal is very regularly performed without any complications occurring, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking surgery of this kind. All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I AM A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR
GANGLION REMOVAL?
At NW Specialist Clinic our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons will carry out a full evaluation of your individual needs and circumstances, provide you with a comprehensive verbal and written explanation of your condition and recommend the most appropriate solution to improve your situation.
Our expert Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating surgery of this kind. Throughout your consultation you will be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.
|
|
 |
|
|
Latest News
 |
ROOM VACANCY |
 |
Due to re-location of one of our Consultants,... |
|
DOWN TOWN LIVERPOOL IN BUSINESS |
|
It is our pleasure to announce that we are now... |
|
EXTRA CLINIC ADDED FOR SPORTS INJURY CLINIC |
|
Since the launch of Dr Waller's Sports Injury... |
|
|
|
