Minimally Invasive Double Loop Suture Technique for Recurrent Acromioclavicular Joint Ganglion Cyst in an Elderly...

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint cysts are rare cysts often linked to degenerative shoulder issues. Although recurrence can limit treatment success, aspiration and corticosteroid injections are commonly used. Surgical removal is effective but may not be suitable for older patients or those with financial constraints. A minimally invasive double-loop suture technique offers a promising alternative.

An 80-year-old woman experienced painless swelling in her right AC joint measuring 8 × 5 cm for 4 months, as well as restricted shoulder movement and a 15-year history of falling. After a triamcinolone injection and aspiration, the cyst returned within a month. A clinical exam revealed a soft, movable, non-tender ganglion cyst. The outpatient procedure used a minimally invasive double-loop suture technique, placing two non-absorbable silk sutures perpendicularly through the cyst for drainage. Post-procedure care involved only a compression dressing, with no medications needed.

The procedure lasted 10 min and was completed without complications. The patient experienced no immediate complications. The cyst resolved completely at 6 months and we are tracking long-term results and recurrence potential.

The double loop suturing technique is a simple and affordable outpatient treatment for recurrent AC joint cysts, especially for older patients or when surgery is not an option. It may lead to lower recurrence rates and is less invasive and less expensive than the surgical excision.