Synovial Cyst of the Cervical Spine

Neurosurgery ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 316-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Jabre ◽  
Set Shahbabian ◽  
Jeffrey T. Keller

Abstract A case of acute posttraumatic myelopathy resulting from hemorrhage into synovial cysts bilaterally at the C-6, C-7 facet joints is presented. The pathogenesis of synovial cysts remains unclear, although reports in the literature have implicated trauma leading to cyst enlargement. Hemorrhage into the cavity of the synovial cysts resulted in epidural compression of the spinal cord in this patient. Because spinal synovial cysts cannot be unequivocally diagnosed preoperatively, other more common conditions must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Radiographic analysis including plain films, computed axial tomography, and metrizamide myelography are of value in establishing a neurological diagnosis. Surgical decompression and excision of the lesion may result in significant neurological improvement.

Neurosurgery ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 662-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Hirschfeld ◽  
William Beutler ◽  
Juliet Seigle ◽  
Herbert Manz

Abstract We present two cases in which spinal epidural compression was caused by the expansion of bony elements into the spinal canal as a result of osteoblastic metastases. The precise nature of the compression was appreciated only on computed tomography. One patient had immediate and sustained neurological improvement after laminectomy. The other benefited temporarily, but widespread involvement of his spine ultimately led to paraplegia despite two more decompressive procedures. We think that bony expansion of the spine secondary to osteoblastic metastasis is not reversible with radiation therapy alone and is, therefore, an absolute indication for surgical decompression.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Author(s):  
Farid Yudoyono ◽  
Deasy Herminawaty ◽  
Hendra ◽  
Dewi Pratiwi ◽  
Nasofi Tri Ramdhani

Cervical synovial cysts (SC), however uncommon, can cause radiculopathy and myelopathy. In this study, we report a case of a cervical synovial cyst presented as myelopathy. A 48-year-old man presented with gait disturbance decreased touch senses and increased sensitivity to pain below the C5 level. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 0.3-mm, bilateral mirror-like small cystic lesion in the spinal canal with cord compression at the C5-6 level. We performed a bilateral expansive laminoplasty of C5 using a posterior approach and completely removed the cystic mass. Histological examination of the resected mass revealed fibrous tissue fragments with amorphous materials and granulation tissue compatible with a synovial cyst. The patient’s symptoms resolved within 3 months after surgery. Although cervical SC is often associated with degenerative facet joints, clinicians must be aware that SC may lead to neurological deficits.


2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergeja Kozar ◽  
Miran Jeromel

Abstract Background. Intraspinal synovial cysts of vertebral facet joints are uncommon cause of radicular pain as well as neurological deficits. They can be managed both conservatively and surgically. Case report. A 77-year old polymorbid patient presented with bilateral low back pain which worsened during the course of time and did not respond to the conservative treatment. A diagnosis of intraspinal synovial cyst was made using the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Percutaneous computed tomography (CT) guided injection with installation of local anesthetic together with corticosteroid and rupture of the cyst was successfully used. A month after the procedure his pain improved, the usage of analgesics diminished and his over-all quality of life improved. Conclusions. Percutaneous CT guided lumbar synovial cyst treatment is safe and reliable alternative to the surgical treatment in polymorbid patients with radiculopathy who are not able to tolerate general anesthesia and operation.


1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Cudlip ◽  
Francis Johnston ◽  
Henry Marsh

✓ Synovial cysts occur infrequently in the spinal canal and are most often associated with degenerative facet joints. Despite the prevalence of degenerative spinal disease, symptomatic synovial cysts are extremely uncommon. There have been only two previously reported cases of subaxial degenerative synovial cysts of the cervical spine in patients who presented with a clinical picture of spinal cord compression. The authors report three additional patients treated for degenerative cervical synovial cysts who presented with myelopathy. In all three patients the cyst was successfully excised and a good clinical outcome achieved.


Author(s):  
Anthony M. Kaufmann ◽  
William C. Halliday ◽  
Michael West ◽  
Derek Fewer ◽  
Ian Ross

AbstractBackground: Periodontoid synovial cysts are rare lesions which may produce symptomatic cervico-medullary compression. Method: We report such a patient, whose progressive neurological deterioration required surgical treatment by transoral odontoidectomy and decompression. Results: The diagnostic and theraputic interventions are described, including a lumbar puncture which precipitated a transient loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest. Surgery achieved clinical improvement, without complications or need for operative stablization. Detailed neuropathology is presented, as well as a literature review. Conclusion: Appropriate neuroradiological assessment is required in patients with suspected cervico-medullary compression, and symptomatic periodontoid synovial cysts may respond well to transoral surgical decompression.


Author(s):  
Rosalba Ciranni ◽  
Donata Pangoli ◽  
Valentina Giuffra ◽  
DAvide Caramella ◽  
Edda Bresciani ◽  
...  

Eighty-five Egyptian mummies belonging to different dynastic periods and collected in a number of Italian museums, have been censed and submitted for paleopathological research. In most cases the presence of bandages required the application of X- rays and computed axial tomography (CAT). Fifty-two mummies have been studied in situ with Xrays; twelve with CAT scanning. Technical problems kept us from investigating eleven of the censed mummies. In a few cases it was possible to perform autopsies, endoscopy, or histological studies. The mummies submitted for X- rays were divided into two groups: The first group thirty-six mummies studied by the team of Paleopathology-Egyptology of the University of Pisa were studied for the first time. The second group was composed of twenty-six mummies studied elsewhere in Italy. Those results also have been included in the Anubi Project database.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. E1148-E1151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzuu-Yuan Huang ◽  
Kung-Shing Lee ◽  
Tai-Hsin Tsai ◽  
Yu-Feng Su ◽  
Shiuh-Lin Hwang

Abstract BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Symptomatic lumbar disc herniation is common. Migration of a free disc fragment is usually found in rostral, caudal, or lateral directions. Posterior epidural migration is very rare. We report the first case with posterior epidural migration and sequestration into bilateral facet joints of a free disc fragment. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 78-year-old female presented with low back pain and right leg pain. Plain radiographs showed lumbar spondylolisthesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a posterior epidural mass and intrafacet mass, which was hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. The lesion in the left L3-4 facet joint had rim enhancement, whereas the right one was not contrasted after gadolinium injection. Preoperative differential diagnosis included abscess, tumor, hematoma, or synovial cyst. An interbody cage fusion at L3-4 and L4-5 for spondylolisthesis was performed, and a hybrid technique was applied with the Dynesys flexible rod system at L3-S1 for multisegment degenerative disc disease. The lesion proved to be an epidural disc fragment with sequestration into bilateral facet joints. CONCLUSION A free disc fragment should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posterior epidural lesions, and even in the facet joint.


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