Turkish Neurosurgery 2002 , Vol 12 , Num 1-2
CERVICAL SYNOVIAL CYST: CASE REPORT
Tayfun HAKAN1, Fügen VARDAR AKER2
1Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital Departments of Neurosurgery, İstanbul, Turkey
2Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital Departments of Pathology, İstanbul, Turkey
Objective: The cervical synovial cysts are unusual extradural lesions which may cause radiculopathy or spinal cord compression. The aim of this paper is to describe a case of cervical synovial cyst and discusses the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of these rare lesions.

Methods: A 55-year-old man presented with a history of progressive gait disturbance, and weakness and numbness of the lower extremities. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spherical, extradural lesion adjacent to the C5-C6 facet joints. It did not enhance with contrast injection. The subarachnoid space had been obliterated and myelomalacia was noted. A laminectomy performed and identified an extradural cystic mass originating from a degenerated facet joint at C5-6. It was compressing the medulla at that level. The lesion was completely excised.

Result: Histological examination showed a fibrous wall with synovial lining. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient's neurological status rapidly improved.

Conclusion: It is important to include synovial cysts in the differential diagnosis for any extradural spinal lesion because these cysts have significant implications for surgical treatment. Keywords : Cervical spine, faut joint, juxta facet cyst, synovial cyst

Corresponding author : Tayfun Hakan, tayfunhakan@yahoo.com