A paralabral cyst is a fluid-filled mass that can develop anywhere around the socket of the shoulder joint. Depending on their size and location, they can be asymptomatic and only discovered when imaging for an unrelated shoulder issue, or they can cause pain and mobility restrictions, leading to the need for treatment. Below, we take a closer look at why these cysts can develop and how Dr. Holloway can help you treat a paralabral cyst.
Causes And Symptoms Of Paralabral Cysts
Paralabral cysts typically develop following a labral tear in the shoulder. This tear allows synovial fluid to escape from the shoulder joint and collect under the labrum to form into a fluid-filled sac. Labral tears can occur following acute trauma, like falling off a ladder or a car accident, or they can develop more slowly due to repetitive stress and labral weakening due to the natural aging process. Depending on where they develop, paralabral cysts will be classified into one of four specific types:
- Anterior paralabral cyst
- Posterior paralabral cyst
- Superior paralabral cyst
- Inferior paralabral cyst
Oftentimes these cysts are quite small and do not cause any symptoms, and you won’t even know about them unless they are found on an imaging exam. In these situations, watchful waiting is really all you need to do. Should the cyst begin to cause symptoms, you’ll want to connect with a shoulder specialist. Common paralabral cyst symptoms include:
- Pain
- Movement restrictions
- Muscle weakness
- Tenderness
- Numbness
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, set up an appointment with your primary care provider or a shoulder specialist.
Diagnosis And Treatment For Paralabral Cysts
A paralabral cyst can be confirmed with a physical exam and a look inside the shoulder with the help of an MRI. In most instances where a paralabral cyst is confirmed and it is causing nerve compression, your doctor will recommend a minimally invasive procedure. Removing the cyst can address symptoms, but unless the labral tear is also addressed, there’s a good chance another cyst will develop.
During the procedure, you will either be given local or general anesthesia so that the operation itself is painless. After anesthesia has been administered, the surgeon will make a few small incisions about a half-inch in length over your shoulder joint. An arthroscope is then inserted to relay a video feed of the shoulder joint onto a monitor in the operating room. This allows the doctor to perform the excision and repair without needing to make large incisions on the patient. Your surgeon will carefully remove the cysts before repairing and reattaching the torn labrum to the bone socket using surgical sutures. Once the labrum has been fixed and nerves have been freed from cyst compression, the surgeon removes their instruments and closes the incisions with stitches or a similar method.
You can expect to wear a shoulder sling for 2-4 weeks after the procedure. Most patients can ditch the sling and return to basic daily activities around the 4-week mark, but you’ll still have activity and lifting restrictions. A full recovery typically takes about three months, but you may need six months or longer before you can return to heavy lifting or contact sports. Regular follow-ups with your care team can help you understand which actions you can and can’t perform as you progress through your rehabilitation.
For more information about paralabral cysts or other ailments that affect the shoulder, reach out to Dr. Holloway’s office today at (865) 410-7887.
