Transcapsular Decompression of Shoulder Ganglion Cysts

Paralabral cysts are an increasingly recognized cause of suprascapular nerve (SSN) impingement, often causing insidious weakness in the rotator cuff. Compression at the suprascapular notch is often due to the presence of a SLAP tear and leads to pain, weakness, and atrophy of both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Compression of the SSN at the spinoglenoid notch leads to weakness and atrophy of the infraspinatus only. Arthroscopic decompression of cysts with repair of labral pathology is typically performed in a sublabral fashion, which may make visualization of the extent of the cyst difficult and places the SSN at increased risk. With any approach, an intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the SSN is vital to safe decompression. We present a surgical technique for decompression of paralabral cysts using an intra-articular transcapsular approach. This approach maximizes visualization and efficiency and reduces possible damage to the SSN.