Intraosseous ganglion of the glenoid: Treatment outcomes of three cases

Abstract

Background

Intraosseous ganglion is a benign cystic lesion arising from the subchondral bone, and its occurrence in the shoulder is rare. When it does occur in the shoulder, it typically affects the glenoid, leading to pain, restricted range of motion, and potentially glenoid fractures. The literature on intraosseous ganglion of the glenoid is limited, with only one report describing two cases; all others are single-case reports.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed three consecutive cases of intraosseous ganglion of the glenoid treated surgically between 2019 and 2022. The cases involved two male shoulders and one female shoulder, with a mean age at surgery of 47.6 years and a mean follow-up of 2.8 years (range: 1.3–5.0 years). Brodsky's posterior approach with lateral patient positioning was used to access the lesion in all cases. Curettage and bone grafting were performed by the same surgeon at the same institution.

Results

No recurrences were observed, and bone union was achieved in all cases. Pain relief and favorable clinical scores were consistently obtained.

Discussion

Curettage and bone grafting via the posterior approach may be considered an effective treatment for intraosseous ganglion of the glenoid. However, the optimal choice of bone graft material remains uncertain.