American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What is the term for a benign hernia of synovium from an intercarpal joint?

1. Ganglion

2. Synovial cyst

3. Tenosynovitis

4. Baker's cyst

The correct answer is: Ganglion

The correct term for a benign hernia of synovium from an intercarpal joint is a ganglion. Ganglions are often found in the wrist and hand, typically arising from the synovial tissue of joints or tendon sheaths. They are characterized by a fluid-filled sac that may develop as a result of irritation or trauma. This fluid accumulation can lead to the formation of a discrete mass, which is firm but usually painless, unless it presses on nearby structures. While synovial cysts may seem similar, the term usually refers to a fluid-filled sac associated with a joint or tendon, but it’s often more generalized than the specific context of a ganglion. Tenosynovitis refers to the inflammation of the tendon synovial sheath and does not pertain to a hernia formation. Baker’s cyst is specifically related to the knee joint and is a type of synovial cyst that occurs in the popliteal fossa, making it distinct from the conditions associated with the intercarpal joints. Understanding these distinctions highlights why the term ganglion is the most appropriate answer in this context.