COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING MUCOUS CYST EXCISION

Eighty-six mucous cysts in 79 patients were surgically excised. Follow -up was carried out at an average of 2.6 years. Fifteen digits (17%) h ad a residual loss of extension of 5 to 20 degrees at the IP or DIP jo ints. One patient developed a superficial infection and two developed a DIP pyarthrosis, which eventually required DIP arthrodesis. Nail def ormities were present in 25 of 86 digits preoperatively (29%), 15 of w hich resolved after surgery (60%). Four of 61 digits developed a nail deformity which was not present preoperatively (7%). Three of 86 digit s (3%) developed recurrence. Other complications included persistent s welling, pain, numbness, stiffness, and radial or ulnar deviation at t he DIP joint. We recommend that patients be informed preoperatively of the potential risks of decreased range of motion, persistent swelling and pain, infection, recurrence, and persistent or postoperatively ac quired nail deformity.