A ganglion cyst (also known as a bible bump) is a swelling that often appears on or around joints and tendons in the hand (or sometimes feet). The size of the cyst can vary over time, often becoming more inflamed if irritated. It is most frequently located around the wrist and on the fingers. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (400x602, 45 KB) I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... The Disease Bold textDatabase is a free website that provides information about the relationships between medical conditions, symptoms, and medications. ... eMedicine is an online clinical medical knowledge base that was founded in 1996. ... A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. ... A tendon (or sinew) is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone and is built to withstand tension. ... A cyst is a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a cavity or structure of the body. ...

Cause

The exact cause of the formation of ganglion cysts is still unknown but they are thought to be due to a degeneration of the fibrous tissue surrounding joints leading to a cystic structure. ^1,2 They are often found around joints, especially the wrist joint (the location of 90% of ganglions. ²) They are not due to pockets of the synovium protruding from the joint capsule, a common misconception. They occur most often in the 20–60 age group and are three times more common in females. ¹ They are benign but need to be differentiated from more serious conditions. They contain clear fluid similar to synovial fluid (a clear, lubricating, viscous fluid found in the synovial cavity of joints). Synovial fluid is a thin, stringy fluid found in the cavities of synovial joints. ...

Effects

They are not generally considered harmful and are normally asymptomatic. Sometimes they may cause limitations of movement and can also cause weakness, pain and paraesthesia (pins and needles) if they press on adjacent nerves. over use of a certain way and movment.

Treatment

Frequently, the cysts will disappear over time, so in cases of small cysts that do not cause other symptoms, no therapy is necessary.

If a ganglion cyst is symptomatic, it can be managed by aspiration or excision. Aspiration of the cyst is the simpler method, but cysts will develop again in about 50% of cases. With surgery, the recurrence rate drops to only 5 to 10%; the procedure is simple, and complications rarely develop. Recurrence rates are lower when the hand or finger is immobilized for 1 to 2 weeks. Arthroscopy of the wrist is becoming a viable alternative to open excision of ganglion cysts. During arthroscopy the origin of the cyst can be seen. No immobilization is needed after arthroscopy. Needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure performed to diagnose and treat certain kind of illnesses. ... A cardiothoracic surgeon performs a mitral valve replacement at the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. ... Arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. ...

Traditional method

One traditional method of treating a ganglion cyst was to strike the lump with a large, heavy book, causing the cyst to rupture and drain into the surrounding tissues. Since even the poorest households usually possessed a Bible, that was what they used, which is how ganglion cysts came to be nicknamed "Bible Bumps" or sometimes "Gideon's Disease". This effective method of treatment is no longer recommended, since patients risk damage to the surrounding area.^{[citation needed]}

External links

• Ganglions (cysts) of the wrist - American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• A Patient's Guide to Ganglions of the Wrist
• Ganglion cyst - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
• Ganglion cyst - eMedicine.com

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is the agency of the federal Government of Canada which seeks to promote safe and healthy workplaces and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. ...

References

1. http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic493.htm
2. Browse NL (1997) Symptoms and Signs of Surgical Disease. 3rd ed. London: Arnold.