Skip to content

Clinicians › Hand

Mucous Cyst

Mucous (myxoid) cysts at the DIP joint — retinacular ganglia driven by underlying OA.

29 citationsUpdated Oct 2026
Illustration: Mucous Cyst

For patients: a plain-language version of this topic is available. See the patient guide.

Overview

Digital mucous cysts are definitively treated through surgical excision, which must include complete removal of the marginal osteophyte to eradicate the lesion and prevent recurrence [1, 4]. While the scientific literature consists almost entirely of retrospective studies and recommendations often rely on expert opinion [5], surgical intervention remains the standard of care. In-office excision is a safe and effective option for these lesions [8], and surgery provides definitive treatment with no major long-term problems [12]. Although some literature reports glowing results, surgical treatment is not a totally benign procedure, and complications do occur [7]. However, complications are rare and occur only in cysts associated with fistula, justifying their early surgical treatment [9].

Operative techniques vary, but the goal is to minimize damage to the friable skin, which is not the culprit of the cyst [17]. A total dorsal capsulectomy alone is a simple treatment that did not lead to any recurrence [10]. For larger cysts, surgical excision with a local advancement skin flap is a reliable treatment, demonstrating a low recurrence rate of 1.4% and high patient satisfaction regarding the scar and willingness to undergo the procedure again [15]. A simple modification of the rotation flap originally described by Kleinert et al is also presented for excision of large mucous cysts [19]. In one series, a 2% recurrence rate (2 of 113) illustrated the advantage of the procedure [18], while another cohort reported 2 cyst recurrences (3%) and only 1 secondary procedure [3]. Osteophyte excision without cyst excision may be a good treatment choice, providing a less invasive method with complete resolution in most cases [21]. This report provides additional basis for prophylactic extirpation of mucous cyst of the finger [2].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Clinical Presentation and Location

Mucous cysts of the finger are common lesions frequently associated with degenerative changes at the distal interphalangeal joints [26]. These cysts typically present in middle-aged or elderly patients who exhibit other signs of degenerative arthritis [41]. The lesion is usually small and firm, located to one side as it emerges from the joint beside the extensor mechanism [26], specifically lying dorso-lateral to the distal interphalangeal joint [41]. Occasionally, the cyst may spread across the entire dorsum of the digit between the distal interphalangeal joint and the nail fold [26]. The overlying skin is frequently thin, meaning minimal trauma may result in rupture [26]. Rupture of the cyst results in the discharge of clear gelatinous fluid [41].

Histology and Ultrastructure

Digital mucous cysts and wrist ganglia show no anatomic difference at the light and scanning electron microscopic levels [22]. The wall of digital mucous cysts consists of multidirectional strata of collagen fibers with rare fibroblast-like cells on the inner surface [22]. There are no signs of myxomatous degeneration in the wall of digital mucous cysts [22]. The surface of the cyst wall is generally flat, with some areas showing localized elevations that may represent degenerating cells or multifunctional mesenchymal cells [22]. Multifunctional mesenchymal cells beneath the lining of the cyst are postulated to produce collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and the interfibrillary mucopolysaccharide matrix [22]. The ganglion fluid may be produced by these multifunctional cells and reaches the cyst cavity by flowing through the porous collagen matrix of the cyst wall [22]. The porous nature of the cyst wall is demonstrated by a porous network of collagen fibers in the wall on cross section [22]. Histological descriptions by Gross and King suggested there was no connection between the cyst and the underlying joint and that there was no endothelial lining [41]. Gross and King concluded that the cysts resulted from degeneration of connective tissue within the dermis [41]. Nishimura et al. supported the view of dermal degeneration based on the chemical composition of the contents of mucous cysts differing from that of "ordinary" ganglia [41].

Pathogenesis Theories

Theories on the pathogenesis of mucous cysts include myxoid degeneration, repeated local trauma, vascular insufficiency, and synovial herniation [26]. Studies suggest that mucous cysts arise due to excessive hyaluronic acid production from a degenerate distal interphalangeal joint [26]. Other theories proposed for the pathogenesis of mucous cysts include embryological abnormalities resulting in extra-articular synovial tissue [41].

Classification

Clinical Presentation: Mucous cysts are common lesions found in association with osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint [41]. The cyst is small, firm, and lies dorso-lateral to the joint [41]. Periungual myxoid cysts have a characteristic clinical presentation [14].

Histopathology: The wall of digital mucous cysts consists of a porous network of collagen fibers [22]. The fluid within the digital mucous cyst is produced by underlying mesenchymal cells [22].

Other Considerations: The skin over the cyst is frequently thin, and minimal trauma may result in rupture and discharge of clear gelatinous fluid [41]. The presence of a definite pedicle connecting the cyst to the joint capsule indicates the lesion is analogous to a ganglion [24].

Clinical Presentation

Mucous cysts typically present as a painless subungual mass accompanied by nail deformity [4]. On inspection, the overlying skin may appear thinned [39], and a fistula can be present [9]. The fluid within these digital mucous cysts is produced by underlying mesenchymal cells [22]. Clinically, these lesions are associated with marginal osteophytes [1].

Investigations

Physical Examination: A careful physical examination is essential to direct care and future testing if indicated [31]. A high index of suspicion is necessary to establish the diagnosis, as the disease often presents with non-specific clinical features and delayed diagnosis [35].

Laboratory: Diagnostic tests such as serum laboratory studies are useful in the determination of pathology but can be expensive, time consuming, and often nonspecific [31].

MRI: High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging findings raise important questions about the role of ligaments in hand osteoarthritis [36].

Ultrasound: Ultra-sonography provides a new ability to study the complex anatomical structures of the hand, with the technique being quick and simple to perform [34].

Treatment

Non-Operative

Aspiration with injection of steroid serves as a convenient conservative option that can be performed in an outpatient setting; however, this technique is associated with a recurrence rate of 50% [26].

Operative

Indications: Surgery provides definitive treatment with no major long-term problems, as demonstrated in a review of 134 cases with a minimum 2-year follow-up evaluation [12]. Radical treatment involving complete excision of the stalk and underlying osteophytes appears to reduce recurrence rates [26]. In a consecutive series, 80% of mucous cysts show osteophytes radiologically, while 20% exhibit minimal changes [98].

Surgical Approach / Technique: Both biquadrangular and Hueston flaps yield comparable aesthetic satisfaction and clinical outcomes following surgical excision [88]. An osteophyte-sparing technique is unlikely to lead to a clinically significant loss of motion [28]. When performing osteophyte excision without cyst excision, the principle is to avoid causing further damage to the friable skin, as the skin is not the culprit of the cyst [17]. A critical step in this approach is draining the cyst at the point where it communicates with the distal interphalangeal joint capsule [98]. If the cyst is small and can be easily excised with primary closure, leaving it in position during osteophyte excision is considered inappropriate [98].

Outcomes and Complications: Surgical treatment demonstrates low recurrence rates, with one series reporting a 2% recurrence rate (2 of 113) [18]. Another study noted 2 cyst recurrences (3%) and only 1 secondary procedure following mucous cystectomy and osteophytectomy using a random nonadvancement flap technique [3]. Complications associated with surgical treatments include infection, recurrence, nail deformity, swelling, stiffness, and pain [26].

Complications

Infection (PJI): Complications are rare and occur only in cysts associated with fistula [9].

Other Considerations: Recurrence rates vary significantly by treatment modality. Aspiration with injection of steroid is followed by a recurrence rate of 50% [26]. Surgical excision with a local advancement skin flap demonstrated a low recurrence rate of 1.4% [15]. A total dorsal capsulectomy alone did not lead to any recurrence [10]. In a series of surgically treated mucous cysts, the recurrence rate was 2% (2 of 113) [18].

Recovery

Other Considerations: In a series of 12 consecutive cases involving free composite grafts for claw nail deformity, there was no complaint regarding the donor sites [30].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] Excision of the cyst and complete removal of the marginal osteophyte eradicates mucous cysts with extremely rare recurrence. [1] (10.2106/00004623-197355030-00013)
  • [L4] This report provides additional basis for prophylactic extirpation of mucous cyst of the finger. [2] (10.1016/s0363-5023(84)80152-5)
  • [L4] There were 2 cyst recurrences in the study cohort (3%) and only 1 secondary procedure. [3] (10.1177/15589447241288257)
  • [L5] Surgical excision is the definitive treatment for mucous cysts and should include osteophyte debridement. [4] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2006.01.013)
  • [L4] The scientific data regarding mucous cysts consist almost entirely of retrospective studies, and much of what is done or recommended is based on expert opinion. [5] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.01.029)
  • [L4] Surgical treatment of mucous cysts is not a totally benign procedure, and complications do occur contrary to literature reporting glowing results. [7] (10.1016/s0266-7681(97)80067-8)
  • [Paper] In-office excision is a safe and effective option for treating digital mucous cysts. [8] (10.1177/15589447251350168)
  • [L4] Complications are rare and occur only in cysts associated with fistula, justifying their early surgical treatment. [9] (10.1016/j.main.2015.06.001)
  • [L4] A total dorsal capsulectomy alone was a simple treatment for mucous cysts and did not lead to any recurrence. [10] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.03.004)
  • [L4] Surgery provided definitive treatment with no major long-term problems. [12] (10.1053/jhsu.2003.50088)
  • [L4] Periungual myxoid cysts have a characteristic clinical presentation. [14] (10.21276/aimdr.2017.3.5.dt1)
  • [L4] Surgical excision with a local advancement skin flap is a reliable treatment for digital mucous cysts, demonstrating a low recurrence rate of 1.4% and high patient satisfaction regarding the scar and willingness to undergo the procedure again. [15] (10.1177/1753193413508540)
  • [L5] The authors state that their principle is not to do more damage to the friable skin because the skin is not the culprit of the cyst. [17] (10.1177/1753193414546990)
  • [L4] The 2% recurrence rate (2 of 113) obtained in this series illustrates the advantage of this procedure. [18] (10.1016/0363-5023(94)90071-x)
  • [L4] The authors present a simple modification of the rotation flap originally described by Kleinert et al after excision of large mucous cysts. [19] (10.1097/bth.0b013e31803c4e19)
  • [L4] Osteophyte excision without cyst excision may be a good treatment choice for mucous cyst of the finger, providing a less invasive method with complete resolution in most cases. [21] (10.1177/1753193413478549)
  • [L5] [22] (10.1016/s0363-5023(88)80143-6)
  • [L4] The presence of a definite pedicle connecting the cyst to the joint capsule indicates the lesion is analogous to a ganglion. [24] (10.2106/00004623-197254070-00008)
  • [L4] [26] (10.1177/1753193408103498)
  • [L4] The described technique is unlikely to lead to a clinically significant loss of motion. [28] (10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-21-00164)
  • [L4] In the series of 12 consecutive cases, the largest size of the grafted tissue was 9 mm in width, but there was no complaint regarding the donor sites. [30] (10.1097/00130911-199803000-00006)
  • [L4] Ultra-sonography provides a new ability to study the complex anatomical structures of the hand, with the technique being quick and simple to perform. [34] (10.1016/0266-7681(90)90133-o)
  • [L5] A high index of suspicion is necessary to establish the diagnosis, as the disease often presents with non-specific clinical features and delayed diagnosis. [35] (10.1007/s00402-012-1527-2)
  • [L4] The findings also raise important questions about the role of ligaments in hand OA. [36] (10.1002/art.21210)
  • [L4] It allows excision of the cyst and thinned skin with no added risk to the nail matrix. [39] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.03.013)
  • [L4] [41] (10.1016/0266-7681_90_90064-b)
  • [L4] Both biquadrangular and Hueston flaps yield comparable aesthetic satisfaction and clinical outcomes after surgical excision of digital mucous cysts. [88] (10.1177/17531934261433822)
  • [Commentary] [98] (10.1177/1753193413510663)

References

[1] Marginal Osteophyte Excision in Treatment of Mucous Cysts. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 1973. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-197355030-00013

[2] Infected mucous cyst of the finger. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1984. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(84)80152-5

[3] Outcomes of Mucous Cystectomy and Osteophytectomy Using a Random Nonadvancement Flap Technique. HAND. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/15589447241288257

[4] Painless Subungual Mass With Nail Deformity. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2006. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2006.01.013

[5] Mucous Cysts. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.01.029

[7] Complications Following Mucous Cyst Excision. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1997. DOI: 10.1016/s0266-7681(97)80067-8

[8] Safety and Cost-Effectiveness of In-Office Digital Mucous Cyst Excisions. HAND. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/15589447251350168

[9] Surgical treatment of mucous cysts by subcutaneous excision and osteophyte resection: Results in 68 cases at a mean 6.63 years’ follow-up. Chirurgie de la Main. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.main.2015.06.001

[10] Total Dorsal Capsulectomy for the Treatment of Mucous Cysts. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.03.004

[12] Treatment of mucous cysts of the fingers: Review of 134 cases with minimum 2-year follow-up evaluation. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2003. DOI: 10.1053/jhsu.2003.50088

[14] Excision of Periungual Myxoid Cyst Using Proximal Nail Fold Flap. Annals of International medical and Dental Research. 2017. DOI: 10.21276/aimdr.2017.3.5.dt1

[15] A reliable surgical treatment for digital mucous cysts. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2013. DOI: 10.1177/1753193413508540

[17] Re: Lee, H.-J., Kim, P.-T., Jeon, I.-H., Kyung, H.-S., Ra, I.-H. and Kim, T.-K. Osteophyte excision without cyst excision for a mucous cyst of the finger. J Hand Surg Eur. 2014, 39: 258–61. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2014. DOI: 10.1177/1753193414546990

[18] Outcome of surgically treated mucous cysts of the hand. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1994. DOI: 10.1016/0363-5023(94)90071-x

[19] Flap Advancement Coverage After Excision of Large Mucous Cysts. Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. 2007. DOI: 10.1097/bth.0b013e31803c4e19

[21] Osteophyte excision without cyst excision for a mucous cyst of the finger. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2013. DOI: 10.1177/1753193413478549

[22] A surface ultrastructure study of ganglia and digital mucous cysts. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1988. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(88)80143-6

[24] Etiology and Treatment of the So-Called Mucous Cyst of the Finger. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 1972. DOI: 10.2106/00004623-197254070-00008

[26] Use of Wolfe Graft for the Treatment of Mucous Cysts. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2009. DOI: 10.1177/1753193408103498

[28] Osteophyte-Sparing Treatment of Mucous Cysts: Case Analysis and Surgical Technique. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2021. DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-21-00164

[30] Free Composite Graft to Claw Nail Deformity Using the Ice Water Cooling Method. Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. 1998. DOI: 10.1097/00130911-199803000-00006

[31] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Anatomy, Evaluation, Clinical Examination, and Imaging > Evaluation and Clinical Examination: Current Concepts.

[34] Diagnostic medical ultrasound in the management of hand injuries. The Journal of Hand Surgery: Journal of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand. 1990. DOI: 10.1016/0266-7681(90)90133-o

[35] Tuberculous extensor tenosynovitis of the hand. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-012-1527-2

[36] High‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of hand osteoarthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2005. DOI: 10.1002/art.21210

[39] The Zitelli Bilobed Flap on Skin Coverage After Mucous Cyst Excision: A Retrospective Cohort of 33 Cases. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.03.013

[41] Mucous Cyst of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint: Treatment by Simple Excision or Excision and Rotation Flap. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1990. DOI: 10.1016/0266-7681_90_90064-b

[88] Aesthetic outcome of biquadrangular and Hueston dorsal flaps in digital mucous cyst surgery. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2026. DOI: 10.1177/17531934261433822

[98] Commentary on Lee et al. Osteophyte excision without cyst excision for a mucous cyst of the finger. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2014. DOI: 10.1177/1753193413510663

Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0

CC Creative Commons licence
BY Attribution — you must credit the source
NC NonCommercial — not for commercial use

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International


Creative Commons Corporation ("Creative Commons") is not a law firm and does not provide legal services or legal advice. Distribution of Creative Commons public licenses does not create a lawyer-client or other relationship. Creative Commons makes its licenses and related information available on an "as-is" basis. Creative Commons gives no warranties regarding its licenses, any material licensed under their terms and conditions, or any related information. Creative Commons disclaims all liability for damages resulting from their use to the fullest extent possible.

Using Creative Commons Public Licenses

Creative Commons public licenses provide a standard set of terms and conditions that creators and other rights holders may use to share original works of authorship and other material subject to copyright and certain other rights specified in the public license below. The following considerations are for informational purposes only, are not exhaustive, and do not form part of our licenses.

Considerations for licensors: Our public licenses are intended for use by those authorized to give the public permission to use material in ways otherwise restricted by copyright and certain other rights. Our licenses are irrevocable. Licensors should read and understand the terms and conditions of the license they choose before applying it. Licensors should also secure all rights necessary before applying our licenses so that the public can reuse the material as expected. Licensors should clearly mark any material not subject to the license. This includes other CC- licensed material, or material used under an exception or limitation to copyright. More considerations for licensors: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensors

Considerations for the public: By using one of our public licenses, a licensor grants the public permission to use the licensed material under specified terms and conditions. If the licensor's permission is not necessary for any reason--for example, because of any applicable exception or limitation to copyright--then that use is not regulated by the license. Our licenses grant only permissions under copyright and certain other rights that a licensor has authority to grant. Use of the licensed material may still be restricted for other reasons, including because others have copyright or other rights in the material. A licensor may make special requests, such as asking that all changes be marked or described. Although not required by our licenses, you are encouraged to respect those requests where reasonable. More considerations for the public: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensees


Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License

By exercising the Licensed Rights (defined below), You accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License ("Public License"). To the extent this Public License may be interpreted as a contract, You are granted the Licensed Rights in consideration of Your acceptance of these terms and conditions, and the Licensor grants You such rights in consideration of benefits the Licensor receives from making the Licensed Material available under these terms and conditions.

Section 1 -- Definitions.

a. Adapted Material means material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights that is derived from or based upon the Licensed Material and in which the Licensed Material is translated, altered, arranged, transformed, or otherwise modified in a manner requiring permission under the Copyright and Similar Rights held by the Licensor. For purposes of this Public License, where the Licensed Material is a musical work, performance, or sound recording, Adapted Material is always produced where the Licensed Material is synched in timed relation with a moving image.

b. Adapter's License means the license You apply to Your Copyright and Similar Rights in Your contributions to Adapted Material in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Public License.

c. Copyright and Similar Rights means copyright and/or similar rights closely related to copyright including, without limitation, performance, broadcast, sound recording, and Sui Generis Database Rights, without regard to how the rights are labeled or categorized. For purposes of this Public License, the rights specified in Section 2(b)(1)-(2) are not Copyright and Similar Rights.

d. Effective Technological Measures means those measures that, in the absence of proper authority, may not be circumvented under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, and/or similar international agreements.

e. Exceptions and Limitations means fair use, fair dealing, and/or any other exception or limitation to Copyright and Similar Rights that applies to Your use of the Licensed Material.

f. Licensed Material means the artistic or literary work, database, or other material to which the Licensor applied this Public License.

g. Licensed Rights means the rights granted to You subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, which are limited to all Copyright and Similar Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material and that the Licensor has authority to license.

h. Licensor means the individual(s) or entity(ies) granting rights under this Public License.

i. NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation. For purposes of this Public License, the exchange of the Licensed Material for other material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights by digital file-sharing or similar means is NonCommercial provided there is no payment of monetary compensation in connection with the exchange.

j. Share means to provide material to the public by any means or process that requires permission under the Licensed Rights, such as reproduction, public display, public performance, distribution, dissemination, communication, or importation, and to make material available to the public including in ways that members of the public may access the material from a place and at a time individually chosen by them.

k. Sui Generis Database Rights means rights other than copyright resulting from Directive 96/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 1996 on the legal protection of databases, as amended and/or succeeded, as well as other essentially equivalent rights anywhere in the world.

l. You means the individual or entity exercising the Licensed Rights under this Public License. Your has a corresponding meaning.

Section 2 -- Scope.

a. License grant.

1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, the Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-sublicensable, non-exclusive, irrevocable license to exercise the Licensed Rights in the Licensed Material to:

a. reproduce and Share the Licensed Material, in whole or in part, for NonCommercial purposes only; and

b. produce, reproduce, and Share Adapted Material for NonCommercial purposes only.

2. Exceptions and Limitations. For the avoidance of doubt, where Exceptions and Limitations apply to Your use, this Public License does not apply, and You do not need to comply with its terms and conditions.

3. Term. The term of this Public License is specified in Section 6(a).

4. Media and formats; technical modifications allowed. The Licensor authorizes You to exercise the Licensed Rights in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter created, and to make technical modifications necessary to do so. The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures. For purposes of this Public License, simply making modifications authorized by this Section 2(a) (4) never produces Adapted Material.

5. Downstream recipients.

a. Offer from the Licensor -- Licensed Material. Every recipient of the Licensed Material automatically receives an offer from the Licensor to exercise the Licensed Rights under the terms and conditions of this Public License.

b. No downstream restrictions. You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any recipient of the Licensed Material.

6. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as permission to assert or imply that You are, or that Your use of the Licensed Material is, connected with, or sponsored, endorsed, or granted official status by, the Licensor or others designated to receive attribution as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(A)(i).

b. Other rights.

1. Moral rights, such as the right of integrity, are not licensed under this Public License, nor are publicity, privacy, and/or other similar personality rights; however, to the extent possible, the Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any such rights held by the Licensor to the limited extent necessary to allow You to exercise the Licensed Rights, but not otherwise.

2. Patent and trademark rights are not licensed under this Public License.

3. To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from You for the exercise of the Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when the Licensed Material is used other than for NonCommercial purposes.

Section 3 -- License Conditions.

Your exercise of the Licensed Rights is expressly made subject to the following conditions.

a. Attribution.

1. If You Share the Licensed Material (including in modified form), You must:

a. retain the following if it is supplied by the Licensor with the Licensed Material:

i. identification of the creator(s) of the Licensed Material and any others designated to receive attribution, in any reasonable manner requested by the Licensor (including by pseudonym if designated);

ii. a copyright notice;

iii. a notice that refers to this Public License;

iv. a notice that refers to the disclaimer of warranties;

v. a URI or hyperlink to the Licensed Material to the extent reasonably practicable;

b. indicate if You modified the Licensed Material and retain an indication of any previous modifications; and

c. indicate the Licensed Material is licensed under this Public License, and include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, this Public License.

2. You may satisfy the conditions in Section 3(a)(1) in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share the Licensed Material. For example, it may be reasonable to satisfy the conditions by providing a URI or hyperlink to a resource that includes the required information.

3. If requested by the Licensor, You must remove any of the information required by Section 3(a)(1)(A) to the extent reasonably practicable.

4. If You Share Adapted Material You produce, the Adapter's License You apply must not prevent recipients of the Adapted Material from complying with this Public License.

Section 4 -- Sui Generis Database Rights.

Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material:

a. for the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(a)(1) grants You the right to extract, reuse, reproduce, and Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database for NonCommercial purposes only;

b. if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and

c. You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights.

Section 5 -- Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability.

a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.


Creative Commons is not a party to its public licenses. Notwithstanding, Creative Commons may elect to apply one of its public licenses to material it publishes and in those instances will be considered the “Licensor.” The text of the Creative Commons public licenses is dedicated to the public domain under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark "Creative Commons" or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses.

Creative Commons may be contacted at creativecommons.org.