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Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine
- Katedra i Klinika Neurochirurgii i Neurotraumatologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu
- Pracownia Patomorfologii Neurochirurgicznej Katedry Patomorfologii Klinicznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu
- Zakład Neuroradiologii Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu
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Abstract
Synovial cysts of the spine occur most frequently in the lumbosacral region. Methods of treatment vary, but in cases of chronic pain or neurological deficits surgical intervention is undertaken. The aim of this paper is to present indications, surgical technique and efficacy of surgical treatment in patients with synovial cyst of the spinal canal.
Material and methodsThe retrospective analysis included 11 patients, aged from 47 to 72 years, treated at the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, between 2004 and 2009. The length of medical history ranged from 2 months to 6 years. Conservative treatment applied before surgery was not effective. Neurological examination revealed unilateral or bilateral sciatica, superficial sensory disturbance or lower limb paresis.
ResultsSynovial cysts were located mainly at the L4-L5 level (9 cases). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine was performed in all patients and showed the cystic lesion attached to the intervertebral joint. Surgical treatment consisted of a unilateral fenestration using microsurgical techniques in most cases. Back pain relief was observed in 9 cases. In 10 patients, symptoms of sciatica disappeared. Neurological deficits disappeared in 5 patients.
ConclusionsSurgical treatment of spinal synovial cysts is safe, effective and ensures a long-lasting effect. Surgical treatment is indicated in patients in whom the clinical symptoms correlate with the presence of synovial cyst in imaging studies and do not resolve after conservative treatment.
Abstract
Synovial cysts of the spine occur most frequently in the lumbosacral region. Methods of treatment vary, but in cases of chronic pain or neurological deficits surgical intervention is undertaken. The aim of this paper is to present indications, surgical technique and efficacy of surgical treatment in patients with synovial cyst of the spinal canal.
Material and methodsThe retrospective analysis included 11 patients, aged from 47 to 72 years, treated at the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, between 2004 and 2009. The length of medical history ranged from 2 months to 6 years. Conservative treatment applied before surgery was not effective. Neurological examination revealed unilateral or bilateral sciatica, superficial sensory disturbance or lower limb paresis.
ResultsSynovial cysts were located mainly at the L4-L5 level (9 cases). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine was performed in all patients and showed the cystic lesion attached to the intervertebral joint. Surgical treatment consisted of a unilateral fenestration using microsurgical techniques in most cases. Back pain relief was observed in 9 cases. In 10 patients, symptoms of sciatica disappeared. Neurological deficits disappeared in 5 patients.
ConclusionsSurgical treatment of spinal synovial cysts is safe, effective and ensures a long-lasting effect. Surgical treatment is indicated in patients in whom the clinical symptoms correlate with the presence of synovial cyst in imaging studies and do not resolve after conservative treatment.
Keywords
synovial cyst, lumbar spine, surgical management
Title
Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine
Journal
Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska
Issue
Pages
456-461
Page views
368
Article views/downloads
1237
DOI
10.5114/ninp.2012.31356
Bibliographic record
Neurol Neurochir Pol 2012;46(5):456-461.
Keywords
synovial cyst
lumbar spine
surgical management
Authors
Roman Jankowski
Janusz Szymaś
Stanisław Nowak
Ryszard Żukiel
Bartosz Sokół
Włodzimierz Paprzycki