Hand Surgeon Questions Oil accumulation

I have oil accumulation around my wrist. Can I remove this with surgery?

When I flex my palm, there is a swelling around my wrist, which is also very painful when it is touched. According to the doctor, there is an oil accumulation in that area. Can it be removed surgically?

5 Answers

HandSurgeonOilaccumulation
I’m sorry, I've never heard of swelling on the wrist described as oil accumulation. If it's fluid like a cyst, then yes, it can be surgically removed.
I am not aware of "oil accumulation " however there are multiple reasons to have a painful mass on the wrist. The most common one is a called ganglion which is a collection of synovial fluid that can feel quite hard and can sometimes be painful. It is important to have it evaluated especially if painful, often a simple aspiration can determine if it is a ganglion . Sometimes imaging studies are helpful such as an mri, if can't be aspirated or nothing is obtained from the aspirate. Assuming it is a ganglion , they can be removed surgically if conservative measures fail, such as spitting, aspiration and time. Most ganglions to not need surgical excision and can resolve on their own. It is critical to have it evaluated to determine the diagnosis. Other entities that present commonly with a painful swelling can be a giant cell tumor, extensor tenosynovitis, cmc boss, neuromas, and many others.
From your description, it sounds as if though you have a ganglion cyst of the wrist. Pain is, of course, an indication for surgical removal.
I have not heard of this condition. I would recommend you call the doctor back for further clarification.
I have never heard the expression or condition of "oil" but is it possiible your doctor is just using an expression to make you understand what is happening. Perhaps there is inflammation of a joint called synovitis or of a tendon called tenosynovitis and he or she is using words like oil or lubricant or gliding to explain it?