Large symptomatic sacral Tarlov cyst in a paediatric patient: case report and technical note on a new variation of surgical technique to overcome one-way check-valve mechanism.

PURPOSE: Symptomatic Tarlov cysts in children with a possible underlying one-way check-valve mechanism are very rare. We aim to introduce a new variation of the surgical technique to overcome a check-valve mechanism. METHODS: A 15-years-old girl presented with double incontinence and anogenital numbness due to a large sacral Tarlov-cyst with possibly underlying one-way check valve mechanisms as suggested by preoperative computed tomography myelography. Intraoperatively, one-way check-valve was confirmed and could be eliminated by creating an artificial inner ostium between the Tarlov cyst and thecal sac with blunt perforation. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the patient had established normal sphincter control and sensation in the anogenital region. CONCLUSION: One-way check-valve mechanism might contribute to the symptomatology of large sacral Tarlov cysts in children. Our new variation of a surgical technique enables elimination of the check-valve mechanism without the necessity to open and close the typically very thin and fragile cyst surface and is therefore an efficacious and simple option in this situation.

The Follow Up Results of Residual Spinoglenoid Ganglion Cyst after Arthroscopic Decompression and Superior Labral Repair: Cases Report

PURPOSE: There are many known treatment modalities for spinoglenoid ganglion cyst accompanied by suprascapular nerve palsy. However, to the author's knowledge, there is no report on the follow-up outcomes focused on remnant cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six (n=6) patients with spinoglenoid ganglion cyst accompanied by suprascapular nerve palsy, with a mean follow-up of 15 months (12-23months) following arthroscopic cyst decompression and superior labral repair, were enrolled. Residual cyst was investigated by ultrasonography and MRI. RESULTS: Immediate postoperative ultrasonography revealed complete remission of ganglion cyst in one patient and reduced ganglion cyst size in five patients. Three-month follow-up ultrasonography showed spontaneous complete remission of the residual cysts in all patients. No recurrence on MRI was seen at one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Residual spinoglenoid ganglion cyst remaining after arthroscopic decompression and superior labral repair tends to resolve spontaneously within 3 months of surgery.