Suprascapular nerve palsy secondary to spinoglenoid cysts: results of arthroscopic treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of arthroscopic treatment in 14 patients with suprascapular nerve palsy secondary to spinoglenoid ganglion cysts.


METHODS
Fourteen patients underwent arthroscopic decompression of ganglion cysts associated with suprascapular neuropathy. The most common presenting symptoms were pain and weakness, which lasted an average of 7.5 months. Ten of 14 patients were noted on examination to have atrophy, and all 14 patients had weakness of the infraspinatus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinoglenoid ganglion cysts in all 14 patients; average cyst size was 3 cm. MRI revealed labral pathology in 12 of 14 cases; labral pathology was identified intraoperatively in all 14 patients.


RESULTS
Postoperatively, the average Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score was 11.5 (12 maximum), which was improved from an estimated preoperative score of 4.3. Improvement in external rotation strength was seen in 100% of patients who were examined postoperatively. No patients were taking pain medicine at latest follow-up. No complications were reported, and there were no clinical or symptomatic recurrences at an average follow-up of 51 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopic treatment of patients with spinoglenoid ganglion cysts is safe and effective, resulting in good clinical outcomes. In our study of 14 patients, no recurrences were seen at an average of 51 months of follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Westerheide
Kenneth J
KJ
Mount Carmel Health System, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Dopirak
Ryan M
RM
Karzel
Ronald P
RP
Snyder
Stephen J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D045888:Ganglion Cysts / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012399:Rotation; D012540:Scapula / Q000294:innervation*; D012782:Shoulder; D016896:Treatment Outcome