Clinical evaluation of arthroscopic decompression of spinoglenoid notch cyst through a single posterior portal.

Purpose: This study aims to describe and evaluate the arthroscopic technique for decompressing spinoglenoid notch cyst (SGNC) using a single posterior working portal.

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

Results: All 20 patients were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 32.5 ± 11.71 months. The VAS improved from 4.50 ± 3.11 to 1.50 ± 0.50 (P < .001), the mean CS improved from 40.80 ± 14.89 to 88.30 ± 7.51 (P < .001), and the mean ASES score improved from 50.51 ± 10.62 to 87.80 ± 6.95 (P < .001) at the last follow-up. Postoperative MRI and EMG at 6 months revealed complete symptomatic remission in all 20 cases. Patient satisfaction with the surgery was good to excellent in 19 patients.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic decompression of the SGNC through a single posterior working portal is a simple, straightforward and effective technique that ensures visualization while preventing potential damage to the SSN.