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 is the average size of a synovial cyst?
The size of the synovial cyst varied, but in most cases the cyst was 0.5-1 cm in diameter.
Do synovial cysts cause pain?
Synovial cysts are generally harmless, so treatment is often unnecessary. However, some people may experience pain, difficulty walking, or problems such as sciatica. For mild symptoms, a doctor may suggest a period of rest and observation.
What causes synovial cysts in spine?
Synovial cysts typically develop as a result of degenerative changes that occur with aging. They can be found throughout the spine, but are most common in the lumbar region (low back). The spine has many joints. Synovial cysts develop in the facet (fass-ET) joints of the spine.
What causes spinal cyst?
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 is a synovial cyst in the spine?
Synovial cysts are abnormal fluid-filled sacs in joints in the spine. These cysts are benign, which means they are not cancerous. Synovial cysts typically develop as a result of degenerative changes that occur with aging. They can be found throughout the spine, but are most common in the lumbar region (low back).
Where are synovial cysts located?
What causes synovial cysts in fingers?
The cyst forms when the synovial tissue around the finger or toe joint degenerates. This is associated with osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases. Sometimes a small bony growth formed from degenerating joint cartilage (an osteophyte) may be involved.
What causes cysts to form?
Epidermoid cysts form when surface skin cells move deeper into the skin and multiply. These cells form the wall of the cyst and secrete a soft, yellowish substance called keratin, which fills the cyst. Sebaceous cysts form inside glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum.
Are synovial cysts hereditary?
Although a ganglion cyst is not considered a heritable disease, it is not clear if a genetic predisposition of underlying connective tissues can contribute to the frequency of occurrence or likelihood of forming a cyst [1].
What are juxtaarticular cysts and fluid collections?
Juxtaarticular cysts and fluid collections may develop as an extension of intracapsular pathology or may present in the absence of intrinsic joint disease. Cysts may form adjacent to large and small joints both in the appendicular and axial skeleton. Commonly encountered cystic lesions include synovial cysts and ganglia.
What is a juxta-Facet cyst?
The facet joints connect each level of the spine, with one joint on the left and right. Spinal juxta-facet cysts may also be called synovial cysts or ganglion cysts. They are not malignant (cancerous cysts).
What is a synovial cyst?
Synovial cysts are diverticula or herniations of the synovial membrane through the joint capsule, often in response to increased intraarticular pressure. These cysts are lined by synovium.
How is a juxtaarticular cyst diagnosed on MRI?
Although the majority of juxtaarticular cysts are readily diagnosed on MRI by virtue of their anatomic location and imaging appearances, some cysts may exhibit atypical characteristics mimicking a solid mass, particularly a homogeneous-appearing neoplasm, such as a myxoma ( Figure 18-3 ).