Primary Diagnosis

"Classic" synovial cyst arising from facet joint.

Secondary Diagnosis

N/A

Diagnosis Discussion

A synovial cyst is a relatively uncommon cause of spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine. It is a benign condition, and the symptoms and level of pain or discomfort may remain stable for many years. Synovial cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs that develop in the facet joints of the lumbar spine as a result of degeneration. If large enough, these sacs can cause spinal stenosis - a narrowing of the spinal canal that places pressure on spinal nerves and causes pain. A synovial cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops as a result of degeneration in the spine. Because a synovial cyst develops from degeneration it is not often seen in younger patients. The pre-requisite is advanced degeneration of the facet articulation. The fluid-filled sac creates pressure inside the spinal canal and this in turn can give a patient all the symptoms of spinal stenosis.

General Anatomic Area:

Lumbar

Secondary Anatomic Area:

N/A

Disease Category:

Degenerative

Contributor:

AE Flanders, MD

Date:

12/01/2004

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Pathology Confirmed?:

Yes
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ACR Category Number:

N/A

Keywords:

spine degeneration, facet joint, periarticular cyst, ganglion cyst