Facet cysts in the subaxial cervical spine: Case series focused on radiological and histopathological findings with a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Facet cysts in the subaxial cervical spine are a relatively rare cause of neuropathy. This case series aimed to investigate the radiological and histopathological features and surgical results of these lesions, and provide possible mechanisms of cyst development.

METHODS

Thirteen subaxial cervical facet cysts in 12 patients were diagnosed on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography with facet arthrography. Surgical outcomes were evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores for cervical myelopathy, or Tanaka's scores for cervical radiculopathy. These results were presented in combination with a scoping review of the literature.

RESULTS

Seven cysts were found in the posteromedial region, and six in the posterolateral portion of the spinal canal. Computed tomography revealed degeneration of all involved facet joints. All patients underwent decompression, and the mean recovery rates of Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores and Tanaka's scores were 57.1% and 87.5%, respectively. Histopathologically, all cysts were continuous with the degenerated ligamentum flavum. In the scoping review, the patients' mean age was 65.1 years. The cysts were distributed as follows: 3.6% at C2-3, 10.7% at C3-4, 14.3% at C4-5, 5.4% at C5-6, 7.1% at C6-7, and 58.9% at C7-T1. The presenting symptoms were myelopathy (49.4%) and radiculopathy (50.0%). Radiologically, 55% and 45% of the cysts were of the posteromedial and posterolateral types. Of the patients, 76.9% underwent decompression only, and 23.1% had concomitant fusion. Cyst recurrence was not observed in the mean follow-up period of 15.1 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathogenesis of cysts is closely related to degenerative changes in the facet joint and ligamentum flavum, and rupture in degenerated ligaments can develop into a cavity, which contributes to cyst formation. The scoping review suggests that cyst resection generally results in positive outcomes without recurrence in either decompression alone or concomitant fusion.

Mid thoracic intra-spinal facet cyst with lumbar canal stenosis: a rare 'double crush'

INTRODUCTION

Intraspinal synovial cysts occurrence causing spinal canal occlusion are mostly seen in mobile segments of the spine (lumbar and cervical). An appearance of the cyst in thoracic spine is a relatively rare occurrence. We present an interesting case of 'double crush' caused by Lumbar canal stenosis with a mid-dorsal Facet cyst.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old woman presented with complaints of back pain with neurogenic claudication with significant loss of touch sensation and motor power of MRC grade 3/5 in lower extremities bilaterally. However, patient was hyperreflexic with Babinski sign positive. She was unable to perform tandem walking test and complained of instability. MRI of lumbar spine revealed lumbar canal stenosis. However, in view of the UMN signs, an MRI of the dorsal spine was done. It revealed an extradural, well-delineated lesion along the dorsal aspect of spine at T6-7 level. Thus the patient had a 'double crush' due to the FC along with lumbar canal stenosis.

CLINICAL FINDINGS CORRELATED WITH THE IMAGING

Two teams simultaneously operated the 2 pathologies and T6-7 laminectomy along with left sided TLIF at L4-5 level was performed. Presently she is asymptomatic for back pain, claudication distance has improved to 800 m.

CONCLUSION

Our case reiterates the importance of thorough clinical examination to avoid missing a diagnosis. Our case is the first in literature to report a 'double crush' due to a proximal dorsal FC and distal LCS. Both the pathologies were tackled in a single setting by two operating teams with a good functional outcome.

Lumbar Facet Fluid-Does It Correlate with Dynamic Instability in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) is a common spinal disease. LDS has been differentiated into dynamic (unstable) and static (stable) spondylolisthesis. Standing flexion/extension lumbar spine radiographs are the best investigation to detect presence of dynamic spondylolisthesis. Magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice to show lumbar canal stenosis and disc prolapse but it can miss dynamic LDS. Studies have shown good association between presence of facet fluid (FF) and dynamic spondylolisthesis.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. All studies describing the relationship between FF and degenerative spondylolisthesis as measured on dynamic radiographs or kinematic magnetic resonance imaging were included.

RESULTS

Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1065 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Of the patients with unstable spondylolisthesis, 71% had FF, whereas only 22% of the patients with stable spondylolisthesis had FF. The combined pooled odds ratio for unstable spondylolisthesis in the presence of FF was 7.55 (3.61-15.08; P <0.00001). The pooled standard mean difference in the FF size in the patients with unstable and stable spondylolisthesis was 0.97 mm (0.38-1.57; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

FF has positive correlation with the presence of dynamic LDS and the probability of dynamic LDS increases as the size of FF increases. The probability of having a dynamic spondylolisthesis in patients with FF >1 mm is 8 times that of patients with no FF. Standing flexion extension radiographs should be performed in patients with FF >1 mm.

Biportal Endoscopic Excision of Facetal Cyst in the Far Lateral Region of L5S1: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) is a recently introduced technique that utilizes 2 portals, one for endoscopy and one as a working portal, in contrast to full endoscopy, which utilizes a single portal. The advantages are a favorable learning curve and free mobility of instruments in the operative field. UBE is successful in addressing cervical and lumbar disc herniations, lumbar stenosis, and foraminal/extraforaminal pathologies, such as herniations and foraminal stenosis. However, there is no report of UBE for a far-lateral L5S1 facet cyst. The patient was an 85-yr-old female with a left lower limb radicular pain with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of the facet cyst compressing the L5 nerve root. Conventional treatment of such a condition would either be an L5S1 fusion procedure or a standalone decompression via the Wiltse paramedian approach. Because the patient had no instability, we decided to do a standalone decompression using the UBE technique. The UBE technique has the advantages of any minimal access procedure, including small incisions, minimal tissue dissection, good magnification, and preservation of anatomic structures. A written informed consent was obtained from the patient before the procedure. The procedure was done under general anesthesia using a 30° endoscope, a radiofrequency probe, and standard lumbar spine surgery instruments. The initial landing point of the endoscope and instruments is via triangulation at the lateral border of the isthmus of L5. The postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes were satisfactory (VAS Back and Leg, 0; Oswestry disability index, 15 at 3 mo).

How I do it? Transforaminal endoscopic decompression of intraspinal facet cyst

BACKGROUND

Transforaminal endoscopic surgery provides equivalent results to open surgery with added advantages of feasibility under local anesthesia, no injury to posterior elements, preservation of the ligamentum flavum, ease of revision surgery, and cost-effectiveness. The technique of transforaminal endoscopic excision of cysts of facet or zygapophyseal joints is scarcely described in literature.

METHODS

The transforaminal endoscopy is applicable to cyst lying in the extraforaminal, foraminal, and intraspinal regions. The "mobile" outside-in technique combined with osteotomy of the tip of the superior articular process facilitates intraspinal access for complete decompression.

CONCLUSION

Transforaminal endoscopic removal of the facet cyst is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery with added advantages of a minimal access procedure.

Resolution of Symptomatic Lumbar Synovial Cyst After Traumatic Event

BACKGROUND

Synovial cysts are most commonly found in the lumbar spine and are associated with low back pain and radiculopathy. Frequent use of imaging modalities has led to an increase in intraspinal synovial cyst identification. Treatment typically ranges from conservative measures to surgical decompression, but spontaneous resolution has previously been reported. Here, we present the first report of symptomatic lumbar synovial cyst resolution after a traumatic fall.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of a symptomatic synovial cyst between the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) lumbar vertebrae identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient presented with right paramedian back pain and right-sided L5 radiculopathy. She underwent unsuccessful trials of antiinflammatory agents and physical therapy. Less than 1 year since initial diagnosis, the patient sustained a mechanic fall followed by resolution of prior symptoms. A subsequent lumbar MRI revealed complete resolution of the intraspinal synovial cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of synovial cysts are increasing in frequency due to their ease of identification with computed tomography and MRI. For cases of refractory pain and/or neurologic deficits, surgical decompression is usually necessary. In rare instances, synovial cysts may spontaneously regress or resolve secondary to other events. This is the first description of resolution after a traumatic fall. Due to limited data on this topic, this report may provide additional insight into the pathophysiology of synovial cyst formation and resolution.

Hemorrhagic facet cyst in the lumbar spine causing contralateral leg symptoms: a case report

Here we present a case of hemorrhagic lumbar facet cyst presenting with progressive radiculopathy only on the contralateral side. If a patient has previous back pain or neuropathy for several months and then suddenly deteriorates, hemorrhagic facet cyst of the lumbar spine should be part of the differential diagnosis. However, as in the present case, we should be aware that there is a possibility of a contralateral lesion.