A spinoglenoid cyst compressing on the suprascapular nerve causing supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle weakness: A...

Spinoglenoid cysts are a rare cause of suprascapular neuropathy of compressive etiology in which the patient may present with shoulder pain and muscle hypotrophy. MRIs are the imaging modality of choice showing location, size, and extent of the lesion for preoperative assessment. Currently, surgical intervention is the preferred approach for the management of a spinoglenoid cyst with arthroscopy being favored over the open technique.

A 25-year-old male patient presenting with right posterior shoulder pain and decreased range of motion associated with the development of progressive weakness of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Right shoulder MRI showed a posterior tear of the glenoid labrum and a spinoglenoid ganglion cyst. Preoperative electroneuromyography was suggestive of a suprascapular nerve impairment.

Six months postoperatively, the patient has regained full range of motion of his right shoulder with no residue signs of muscle hypotrophy.

Spinoglenoid cysts can cause compressive neuropathy with associated pain and muscle hypotrophy. MRI and EMG can help in establishing the diagnosis and in the pre-operative assessment. Surgical intervention with arthroscopy is currently the technique preferred by most surgeons.