Trapezius Rotation-plasty for Complicated Acromioclavicular Joint Ganglion Cysts

Abstract

The acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) ganglion (producing the “geyser sign”) produces poor quality skin and risk of infection with repeated aspirations and arthroscopic resection. The primary aim is to present our pedicled muscle flap procedure to prevent wound breakdown and recurrent infection over the ACJ. The secondary aim is to report our case series’ outcomes. By using a distally based rotation flap of the trapezius muscle to the ACJ defect after lateral clavicle excision the overlying skin can be supported by a well vascularized soft tissue bed. Included participants sustained recurrent ganglion cysts producing the geyser sign with poor quality skin and/or recurrent infection. Three patients underwent this technique. Favorable results were shown by excellent outcomes in all cases after surgery. There were no recurrent infections, and no other complications. This technique of using a local muscle flap resulted in a high patient satisfaction and a low rate of complications.