Synovial Cysts of the Spine: Clinical Presentation and Treatment

Synovial cysts of the spine are benign degenerative abnormalities of facet joints where the synovial lining herniates through the joint capsule to form a cyst. Usually found in the lumbar spine, they can arise in the cervical and thoracic spine. Synovial cysts become symptomatic when causing compression on the nerve structures. Treatment should be guided by the requirements for decompression. Presence of a synovial cyst alone is not an indication for surgery. The surgeon must keep in mind that synovial cysts are a manifestation of facet arthropathy. Fusion should be considered if the facet joint is rendered incompetent by decompression.