Mucosal cysts of the fingers of the hand: errors in diagnosis and treatment in elderly and senile patients

BACKGROUND. Mucosal cysts of the fingers of the hand are tumor-like formations considered as a complication of osteoarthritis.

The aim of the work is to analyze errors in the diagnosis and treatment of patients over 60 years of age with mucosal cysts of the fingers of the hand to improve treatment results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 75 patients aged 60 years and older. The diagnosis included clinical and anamnestic examination, radiography and ultrasonography. According to the medical history, the patients were divided into 2 groups: the first group consisted of patients who came to the clinic first; the second group consisted of patients with recurrent mucosal cysts. All patients underwent surgical procedures: excision of the osteophyte of the phalanx, skin grafting of the skin defect. Evaluation of surgical treatment results was performed 2, 6, 12 months according to radiography, VAS, QuickDash questionnaire, volume of movements in the distal interphalangeal joint.

RESULTS. Analysis of the initial treatment of patients in the second group (with relapses of the disease) according to the profile of specialists and the type of care provided. It was established that patients with relapses underwent manipulations (cyst piercing, thermal effects, removal of thinned skin above the cyst) or operations without excision of the osteophyte of the phalanx and plasty of the skin defect after excision of the cyst. A full-fledged examination at the treatment stage allowed all patients to confirm the diagnosis and identify the presence of osteophyte of the affected phalanx of the finger.

CONCLUSION. Radiography and ultrasonography are informative research methods. The treatment of mucosal cysts is an operation involving the repair of a skin defect with local tissues after excision of the cyst and removal of the osteophyte.