Glenoid cysts mimicking cervical radiculopathy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Cervical radiculopathy is a common diagnosis for neck and radiating arm pain.
• Glenoid cysts, particularly those causing suprascapular nerve entrapment, can present with symptoms similar to cervical radiculopathy.
• This study investigates patients referred for cervical radiculopathy who were found to have glenoid cysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe cases where glenoid cysts mimic cervical radiculopathy.
• To highlight the importance of considering shoulder pathology in the differential diagnosis of neck and arm pain.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of 342 patients presenting with suspected cervical radiculopathy.
• Detailed assessment including physical examination (shoulder impingement sign), diagnostic injections (intra-articular lidocaine), electrodiagnostic studies (electromyography and nerve conduction velocity), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder.
• Identification of eight patients with glenoid cysts as the source of symptoms.

Main Results:

• All eight patients with glenoid cysts exhibited a positive shoulder impingement sign.
• Temporary symptom relief was achieved in all eight patients following intra-articular lidocaine injection.
• Four patients showed abnormal electrodiagnostic findings indicative of suprascapular nerve compression.
• Shoulder MRI was diagnostic in all eight cases, confirming the presence of glenoid cysts.

Conclusions:

• Glenoid cysts are a significant differential diagnosis for cervical radiculopathy.
• Comprehensive shoulder evaluation, including advanced imaging and diagnostic tests, is essential for patients with unexplained neck and arm pain.
• Failure to consider shoulder pathology can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment of glenoid cyst-related symptoms.