What is a facet joint cyst?
What is a facet joint cyst?
Facet joint cysts, also called synovial cysts, are benign, fluid-filled sacs that develop due to degeneration of the facet joints of the spine.
What is the best way to treat a synovial cyst lumbar?
The fluid-filled sac creates pressure inside the spinal canal that compresses the nerves and causes pain. The best treatment for synovial cysts is generally non-surgical care, including over-the-counter pain medications, activity modification, and injections.
Does a synovial cyst have to be removed?
The most reliable treatment method for a synovial cyst is to remove the cyst and then fuse the joint. Fusing the joint stops all the motion at that level of the spine, and without any motion, the cyst should not regenerate. This is the most reliable treatment, but it is also an extensive surgery for the patient.
What causes facet joint cysts?
Synovial cysts are most often caused by age-related degeneration. They are most common in patients older than 65 years. Synovial fluid, contained in a membrane called the synovial sac, lubricates the facet joints and helps them move smoothly.
How common are facet cysts?
Spinal facet cysts are usually common in an older population with an average age of 66 years and frequencies ranging from 0.6 to 7.3% [5]. Bilateral lumbar facet cysts are rare, with reported frequency of 4% in surgically treated patients for lumbar facet cyst at the Mayo clinic over 24 years [5].
Can a synovial cyst cause paralysis?
Rarely, a facet joint cyst can lead to cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition which can lead to paralysis and loss of bladder and bowel function. This may be permanent if not treated emergently.
Can a cyst on the spine be cancerous?
Spine Disorders Synovial cysts are abnormal fluid-filled sacs in joints in the spine. These cysts are benign, which means they are not cancerous.
How do you treat a spinal cyst?
Spinal Cyst Treatment Conservative treatment may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, painkillers, steroid injections and drainage. Though these approaches may temporarily relieve the symptoms, cysts may reform or refill, resulting in further discomfort.
Do you get put to sleep for cyst removal?
You may be given a sedative along with a local or regional anesthetic to relax you and reduce anxiety. A general anesthetic relaxes your muscles and puts you to sleep. All three types of anesthesia should keep you from feeling pain during the operation. Your health care provider will cut around the cyst and remove it.
What causes a cyst to form on the spine?
The cause of spinal cysts is unknown, but they may result from degeneration and instability of the spine in areas subjected to repetitive motion, particularly the joints in the lumbar region. Patients with spinal cysts may have other degenerative conditions of the spine, such as arthritis and disk disease.
What causes a cyst in the facet joint?
With degeneration, the synovium produces extra fluid as a way to protect the facet joints. Over time, a small amount of fluid can escape the joint capsule, but remain within the synovium, creating a facet cyst which is a sac-like protrusion.
How does the superior articular facet work like a hinge?
The superior articular facet faces upward and works like a hinge with the inferior articular facet (below). Like other joints in the body, each facet joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue and produces synovial fluid to nourish and lubricate the joint.
What is the treatment for lumbar Facet cyst?
Treatment is dependent on the severity of symptoms, but often initially includes non-operative treatment such as formal physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications.
Can a cyst in the articular be a sprain?
Articular cysts are commonly encountered in the orthopedic practice. They can be sequelae to chronic sprains and strains, and can be a source of juxta-articular aberrancies.
