A posterior labral cyst associated with an anterior labral tear of the hip

Abstract

Paralabral cysts are often associated with labral and other intraarticular hip pathology; MRI as well as diagnostic ultrasound can assist in diagnosis. Although often considered a coincidental finding, paralabral cysts can be a separate pain generator about the hip through compression of surrounding anatomy. They can also be initially mistaken for malignancy or other pathology by providers unfamiliar with their appearance. We present the case of an active 33-year-old female with right hip pain secondary to a large symptomatic posterior acetabular paralabral cyst with concomitant anterior labral tear. Following diagnosis on MRI, treatment included ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cyst, followed by arthroscopic anterior labral repair and separate cyst decompression from a posterior portal. The patient had complete resolution of her symptoms.