Arthroscopic Decompression of Spinoglenoid Notch Cyst and SLAP Repair Through a Single Working Portal

Abstract

A SLAP lesion can be found with a concomitant spinoglenoid notch cyst. The cyst can cause suprascapular nerve compression, resulting in shoulder pain and weakness of external rotation. Their management varies from conservative treatment to operative treatment. Cyst decompression through the labral tear is our preferred treatment. Previous studies demonstrated a good result after arthroscopic decompression of the cyst through the labral tear combined with SLAP repair. Many surgeons usually use 3 portals to perform this procedure. However, we prefer to use only 2 portals, 1 anterior viewing portal and 1 posterior working portal. This strategy is more time and cost efficient. The patient is positioned in lateral decubitus. The SLAP lesion is demonstrated by using a probe. Tissue elevator is inserted into the labral lesion to penetrate into the cyst wall. A soft anchor is placed. A birdbeak suture passer penetrates the posterior labrum. Then knot tying is done. The advantages of this single working portal technique are short operative time, a decreased risk of iatrogenic rotator cuff injury from accessory anterolateral portal or posterior labral injury from posterolateral portal, and avoiding unnecessary superior capsule incision for cyst exposure.