Ganglion cyst of the spinoglenoid notch: comparison between SLAP repair alone and SLAP repair with cyst decompression.

BACKGROUND: Some authors have described the ganglion cyst of the spinoglenoidal notch as related to repetitive overhead activities and labral tear caused by trauma, while others have explained lesions of the capsulolabral complex and ganglion cysts to have separate pathologies. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between 2 groups: 1 with superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) repair only and the other with SLAP repair and cyst decompression prospectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2000 to March 2007, 28 patients matching the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. They were divided into 2 groups: 1 who received SLAP repair and the other with concomitant SLAP repair and cyst decompression. A visual analogue scale (VAS) and Rowe and Constant scores were used to make evaluation. Preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of 2 patient groups were compared with 2 follow-up MRIs taken 3 months after the operation and at final follow-up.

RESULTS: Mean VAS and Constant and Rowe scores in groups I and II improved significantly from mean preoperative score compared to last follow-up score; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P > .05). Preoperative MRI and arthroscopy revealed type II SLAP lesions and a type V lesion, respectively, as accompanying lesions in 24 cases.

CONCLUSION: The hypothesis stating 1-way valve mechanism of SLAP lesion as an initial cause of ganglion cysts has been proved indirectly in this study. Furthermore, direct decompression of the cyst does not lead to different results.