CT-guided aspiration and steroid injection of symptomatic paralabral cysts of the hip

Purpose The objective of this article is to present the clinical use of aspiration and steroid injection under CT guidance for symptomatic paralabral cysts of the hip. Materials and methods Four cases of symptomatic paralabral cysts of the hip were treated with aspiration and steroid injection after MR examinations had been performed. The imaging characteristics of the cysts, including the location, size, extracapsular extension, and associated labral tears, were evaluated. Under CT guidance, an 18-gauge spinal needle punctured the cyst, and aspiration was performed using local anesthesia. After irrigation with 50 % diluted iodine contrast material, steroid alone or a mixture of steroid and 1 % lidocaine was injected into the cyst. CT images during and after the procedure, procedural reports, and medical records were reviewed for analysis. Results Three cysts were located in the anteroinferior region, while one cyst was located in the posterior region. At the 1-month follow-up, symptom improvement had been achieved in all four patients. However, in the patient who had the largest cyst with extracapsular extension, symptoms recurred after 5 months, and the patient underwent surgery. Conclusion CT-guided aspiration and steroid injection were feasible for the treatment of symptomatic paralabral cysts of the hip. During the procedures, all four cysts collapsed.