Spinal synovial cyst

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Low back pain radiating to right lower limb.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
mri

Lumbar facet joint arthropathy, more at L4-5 and L5-S1 levels.

Synovial cyst originating from right L4/5 facet joint encroaching upon right subarticular zone indenting traversing right L5 nerve root.

L4-5 and L5-S1 diffuse posterior disc bulges.

Case Discussion

Spinal synovial cysts have a predilection to lumbar spine, especially on L4-5 level in subarticular zone. They are more common in elderly females (>50 years) and are typically associated with facet joint arthropathy. They can cause spinal canal stenosis or nerve root compression.

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