Ganglion cysts (often referred to as Bible bumps) are small fluid filled outpouchings of the joint space or tendon sheath. They are very common around the wrist and ankle. Most are not painful but create irritation because they cause swelling and can interfere with joint function. The initial treatment is to aspirate the fluid in the cysts and possibly inject a small amount of cortico-steroid into the cyst. This is successful in roughly 50% of cases. Surgery to remove the cyst in recalcitrant cases is a minor outpatient procedure. Recovery is quick after surgery and recurrence is uncommon.
