Ganglion Resection Effectiveness Trial
GangLion Resection Effectiveness Trial (GangLion): a Multicentre, Randomized, Superiority Trial
Tampere University Hospital
220 participants
Jan 13, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if surgery helps with wrist ganglions in adults. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does surgery result in better patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction over a 6-months follow-up period? Researchers will compare surgery to conservative treatment (self-administered exercises and use of the hand as tolerated) to see if surgery provides superior outcomes. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to receive either surgery or conservative treatment * Complete questionnaires about wrist pain, function, quality of life, satisfaction, and recovery at 3, 6, and 12 months
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- wrist pain located in the ganglion area
- diagnosis of ganglion of the wrist, based on clinical examination or imaging findings
- age over 18 years
- ability to fill out the Finnish or English version of the questionnaires
Exclusion Criteria4
- pregnant or breast feeding
- other known wrist pathology that likely explains the pain
- previous surgical treatments of the wrist
- wrist ganglion presumed to be related to a work injury
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
A transverse or longitudinal incision is done depending on surgeon's preference. The ganglion and its pedicle are traced up to its origin. The pedicle is resected tangentially, usually, from the SL ligament for dorsal ganglions and depending on the site for volar ganglion. Wrist capsule is not closed.
Portals are selected by surgeon's preference. The pedicle of the ganglion is located and resected with a shaver. It is not necessary to remove all the ganglion walls. The portal incisions do not need to be sutured.
Participant will be informed about the natural course of wrist ganglions. The conservative treatment may include needle aspiration of the ganglion, but it is not performed routinely. Participants are informed that wrist loading in extension may exacerbate the pain, and that the pain is not a sign of further injury to wrist joint. They can avoid heavy use it if they have too much pain, but they are advised to use hand as tolerated. Participants may use NSAIDs and acetaminophen for pain management as needed; however, the protocol does not specify a required course or dosage. A simple self-implemented exercise therapy instructions are given to every participant.
Locations(4)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07162415