How to Manage the Spinoglenoid Notch Cyst: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Arthroscopy

Background:

• Spinoglenoid notch cysts are associated with suprascapular nerve compression, leading to posterior shoulder pain and infraspinatus muscle weakness.
• Current management strategies, including open and arthroscopic techniques, lack a clear optimal approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze evidence on managing spinoglenoid notch cysts.
• To compare the outcomes of various operative interventions for these cysts.
• To develop a practical algorithm for managing spinoglenoid notch cysts based on their characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to August 2025 for studies on spinoglenoid notch cyst management.
• Included studies reporting postoperative outcomes; data extracted on patient demographics, procedures, outcomes, recurrence, reoperation, and complications.

Main Results:

• Analyzed 32 studies involving 562 shoulders; overall risk of bias was moderate.
• Arthroscopic decompression with labral repair was the most frequent procedure (48%).
• Lowest recurrence rates observed with arthroscopic decompression and labral repair (3%); highest reoperation rates with arthroscopic decompression without labral repair (9%).

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic decompression with concurrent labral repair shows excellent outcomes and low recurrence for selected spinoglenoid notch cysts.
• Both arthroscopic and open approaches provide significant pain relief and functional improvement.
• Consider open decompression for large or loculated cysts; arthroscopic decompression with labral repair is a minimally invasive option for nonloculated cysts.