Clinical Evaluation of the Arthroscopic Decompression of Spinoglenoid Notch Cyst through a Single Posterior Portal

Abstract

Introduction: To describe and evaluate the arthroscopic spinoglenoid notch cyst (SGNC) decompression technique through a single posterior working portal.

Methods: From January 2010 to March 2022, 20 patients of SGNC were included who were available for minimum of 2 years of follow-up. All surgical procedures were conducted with a suprascapular nerve decompression via posterior portal. For assessments, the visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley shoulder score (CS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score, magnetic resonance image (MRI) and electromyogram (EMG) were used to compare preoperative and postoperative at follow-up. MRI and EMG were taken at 6 months postoperatively.

Results: All 20 patients were included in this study. Mean follow-up was 32.5 ± 11.71 months. The VAS improved from 4.5 ± 3.1 to 1.5 ± 0.50 (P < .001), the mean CS improved from 40.8 ± 14.89 to 88.3 ± 7.51 (P < .001), and the mean ASES score improved from 50.5 ± 10.62 to 87.8 ± 6.95 (P < .001) at last follow-up. The postoperative MRI and EGM performed at a mean of 6 months for all 20 cases revealed complete symptomatic remission. The satisfaction level with surgery was good to excellent in 19 patients.

Conclusion: For treatment of SGNC, arthroscopic decompression through single posterior portal was found to be a simple and effective method, maximizes visualization and reduces possible damage to the suprascapular nerve.