Juxtafacet Spinal Synovial Cysts

• Main Author: Haitham El-Beltagy Abd El-Kader
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Spine Society 2016-02-01
• Series: Asian Spine Journal
• Subjects: Synovial cysts; Posterior decompression; Transpedicular fixation; Fusion
• Online Access: http://www.asianspinejournal.org/upload/pdf/asj-10-46.pdf
• ISSN: 1976-1902; 1976-7846

Study DesignThis was a retrospective study.PurposeTo study the surgical outcome of synovial cysts of the lumbar spine through posterior laminectomy in combination with transpedicular screw fixation.Overview of LiteratureSynovial cysts of the lumbar spine contribute significantly to narrowing of the spinal canal and lateral thecal sac and nerve root compression. Cysts form as a result of arthrotic disruption of the facet joint, leading to degenerative spondylolisthesis in up to 40% of patients.MethodsRetrospective data from 6 patients, treated during the period of March 2007 to February 2011, were analyzed. All preoperative and postoperative manifestations, extension/flexion radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography records were reviewed. All underwent surgery for synovial cysts with excision and decompression combined with posterior fixation. The result of surgery was evaluated with Macnab's classification. An excellent or good outcome was considered as satisfactory. Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale was used for evaluation of back pain.ResultsAll patients included in this study had excellent outcomes as regarding to improvement of all preoperative manifestations and returning to normal daily activities. Only 2 cases developed postoperative transient cerebro-spinal fluid leak and were treated conservatively and improved during the follow up period.ConclusionsAlthough this study included a small number of cases and we could not have statistically significant results, the good outcome of decompression of synovial cysts combined with posterior fixation and fusion encouraged us to recommend this approach for patients with juxtafacet synovial cysts.