Case Report

LUMBAL FACET CYST A CASE REPORT

  • M. Özgür TAŞKAPILIOĞLU
  • Ulaş AKTAŞ
  • Tuğba Moralı GÜLER
  • Ender KORFALI

J Turk Spinal Surg 2011;22(2):138-140

Lumbar facet is a synovial-lined zygoapiphyseal joint, comprising the articulation between the inferior and superior articulating processes of the spinal vertebrae. The facet joint, synovial lined joints, are prone to cyst formation as a manifestation of osteoarthritis. Synovial cysts are typically located in the lumbar spine posteriorly to the tecal sac, resulting root compression centrally or by lateral recess stenosis. Defined by studies, lumbar synovial cysts may contribute to spondylolisthesis. Synovial cysts require laminectomy for adequate decompression. In our study we reported a 67 year-old female presenting with low back pain and bilateral leg pain that was operated with a diagnosis of intradural mass lesion. Pathology was synovial cyst.

Keywords: Low back pain, laminectomy, synovial cyst