Long-term outcomes of percutaneous lumbar facet synovial cyst rupture.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic value, safety, and long-term clinical outcomes of percutaneous lumbar facet synovial cyst (LFSC) rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was institutional review board (IRB)-approved and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant. The study group comprised 71 patients (44 women, mean age: 65 ± 17 years) who underwent CT- or fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous LFSC rupture. The technical success of LFSC rupture, the long-term clinical outcome, including repeat procedures or surgery, and imaging findings on MRI and CT were recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-nine LFSC ruptures were performed in 71 patients. CT guidance was used in 57 cases and fluoroscopy guidance in 22 cases. LFSC rupture was technically successful in 58 out of 79 cases (73 %). Mean injection volume for cyst rupture was 3.6 ± 2.2 mL and a combination of steroid and anesthetic was injected in all cases. Over a mean follow-up time of 44 months, 12 % of patients underwent repeat cyst rupture, and 46 % eventually underwent surgery, whereas the majority of patients (55 %) experienced symptomatic relief and did not undergo surgery. There was no significant association between a successful outcome and age, sex, level, or size of LFSC (p > 0.1). LFSCs with T2 hypointensity were more likely to require surgery (p = 0.02). There was one complication, a bacterial skin infection that completely resolved following antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous LFSC rupture is an effective and safe nonsurgical treatment option for LFSC. More than half of treated patients were able to avoid subsequent surgery. Therefore, percutaneous LFSC rupture should be considered before surgical intervention.

Spontaneous resolution of a symptomatic synovial cyst of the lumbar spine.

We present a case of spontaneous resolution of a lumbar intraspinal synovial cyst. We discuss the management options, including conservative management.

Bilateral brachial synovial cysts in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Case report and literature review.

AIM: To review the clinical features of brachial synovial cyst. METHOD: A case of bilateral brachial synovial cysts is described in a child suffering from systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis during a relapse. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography were conducted to further evaluate the nature of the cysts. The case is compared with known cases in a literature review. RESULTS: Review of the literature showed that brachial synovial cysts occur most commonly in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is considered that uncontrolled systemic inflammation and recurrent disease activity might be the cause of synovial cysts. CONCLUSION: Brachial synovial cyst is a rare manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Uncontrolled systemic inflammation inducing chronic damage to joint structure may be the primary cause of synovial cyst formation.

Conservative treatment of an atlantoaxial degenerative articular cyst: case report.

BACKGROUND: Atlantoaxial degenerative articular cysts are rare lesions that can cause extradural compression of the cervicomedullary junction. When symptomatic, they usually require surgical treatment. We report an unusual case of spontaneous regression of an atlantoaxial degenerative articular cyst after conservative treatment with an external cervical brace along with a systemic therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids. We also discuss the potential pathogenetic mechanisms involved. PURPOSE: To describe a case of significant volume reduction of an atlantoaxial articular degenerative cyst in a patient treated with a Philadelphia collar and anti-inflammatory drugs. STUDY DESIGN: Case report with analysis of the literature. METHODS: A 80-year-old patient was admitted to our institution with a history of progressive tetraparesis, ataxic gait, and cervical pain. A cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed an extradural mass lesion behind the dens of C2 causing significant compression of the cervicomedullary junction, suggesting the diagnosis of atlantoaxial degenerative articular cyst. The patient refused surgery in favour of a conservative treatment with a Philadelphia collar and a short-term course of NSAIDs and corticosteroids. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, the patient's neurological condition improved, and a 6-month follow-up cervical spine MRI scan revealed an almost complete regression of the atlantoaxial cystic lesion. At a 1-year follow-up, his clinical condition was further improved. CONCLUSIONS: Atlantoaxial articular degenerative cysts are rare lesions that should be included in the differential diagnosis of those extradural lesions that can cause a ventral or ventrolateral compression of the cervicomedullary junction. They most commonly occur in elderly female patients affected by diffuse arthrosic degeneration of the cervical spine, with or without clear radiological signs of atlantoaxial instability, and have a typical appearance on MRI imaging. Surgery, with direct excision of the cyst and/or a C1-C2 fusion, is the first treatment of choice. Nevertheless, our report points out the possibility of a significant spontaneous regression of these lesions following a simple conservative strategy based on the use of an external cervical brace together with a systemic anti-inflammatory therapy.

Multiple extra-articular synovial cysts accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis in the bilateral elbow joints: A case report.

RATIONALE: Synovial cysts are well known in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and most common in the popliteal fossa. They may produce lots of local symptoms and complaints, which may present initially as an unrelated clinical condition. Few studies have reported multiple extra-articular synovial cysts (MESCs) in the RA patients. Early diagnosis is crucial for patient treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 50-year-old man without any special clinical histories found a soya bean size bump at the left elbow medially, then multiple lumps were found at bilateral elbows and gradually increasing. No pain, no activity, no redness, and swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple cystic lesions in the bursa and surrounding soft tissue of bilateral elbow joints. In addition, the elbow joint bursa was swollen and the synovial membrane was significantly thickened. DIAGNOSES: The man was diagnosed as RA with multiple extra-articular synovial cysts formation. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was performed tylectomy of the right elbow. Other lumps were punctured and injected with compound betamethasone injection. OUTCOMES: The bumps were reduced in size and the swelling relieved, and the patient was sent to the department of rheumatology and immunology for further treatment. LESSONS: In this case, it is difficult for the diagnosis of RA because of no relative histories and simultaneously multiple cystic lesions in multiple joints. Imaging examinations can show the characteristics of such kind of disease and be very helpful for the diagnosis and differentiate diagnosis.

Percutaneous CT-guided facet joint synovial cyst rupture: Success with refractory cases and technical considerations.

Percutaneous image-guided rupture of lumbar facet synovial cysts can improve clinical outcomes and obviate the need for open surgery. This series describes eleven patients who had successful CT-guided lumbar facet synovial cyst ruptures, 82% of which experienced excellent pain relief at a minimum of one-year follow-up. Of the five patients who failed prior fluoroscopic-guided synovial cyst rupture, 80% had a successful CT-guided rupture and one-year sustained pain relief. These findings reinforce minimally invasive CT-guided treatment as an excellent option to improve patient symptoms and potentially avoid open surgery.

Percutaneous Rupture of Zygapophyseal Joint Synovial Cysts: A Prospective Assessment of Nonsurgical Management.

BACKGROUND: Although lumbar zygapophyseal joint synovial cysts are fairly well recognized, they are an uncommon cause of lumbosacral radicular pain. Nonoperative treatments include percutaneous aspiration of the cysts under computed tomography or fluoroscopic guidance with a subsequent corticosteroid injection. However, there are mixed results in terms of long-term outcomes and cyst reoccurrence. This study prospectively evaluates percutaneous ruptures of zygapophyseal joint (Z-joint) synovial cysts for the treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain. OBJECTIVES: Primary: To determine whether percutaneous rupture of symptomatic Z-joint synovial cysts leads to sustained improvements in radicular pain and function. Secondary: To assess the rates of cyst recurrence and progression to surgical intervention following percutaneous rupture of symptomatic Z-joint synovial cysts. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient academic spine practice. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with primary radicular pain due to a facet synovial cyst. METHODS: Participants underwent fluoroscopically guided percutaneous Z-joint synovial cyst ruptures under standard-of-care practice. Data on pain, physical function, satisfaction, and progression to surgery were collected at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after rupture. An intention-to-treat analysis was used for assessment of patient-reported outcome measures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Numerical Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and modified North American Spine Society questionnaires were used to measure pain, function, and satisfaction with the procedure, respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-five participants were included in the study, and data were analyzed by an independent researcher. Statistically significant changes in Oswestry Disability Index were reported at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year postintervention (P = .034, .040, and .039, respectively). A statistically and clinically significant relief of current pain was reported at 2 weeks (P = .025) and 6 weeks (P = .014) with respect to baseline. Patients showed significant improvements for best pain at 6 weeks with respect to baseline (P = .031). Patients' worst pain showed the greatest amount of improvement with clinically meaningful changes at all time points compared with baseline. Patient-reported satisfaction was found nearly 70% of the time at all time points. Forty percent (14/35) of participants required repeat cyst rupture, and 31% (11/35) required surgical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: There were statistically and clinically significant improvements in pain and function after percutaneous rupture of Z-joint synovial cysts. In addition, the outcomes support previous retrospective studies indicating that approximately 40% of patients will need surgery. This study provides further research to determine the utility of this procedure and to precisely define a subset of ideal candidates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Treatment of Wrist Dorsal Synovial Cyst with Percutaneous Sclerotherapy Using Hypertonic Saline Solution / Tratamento de cisto sinovial dorsal do punho com escleroterapia percutânea utilizando solução salina hipertônica

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of hypertonic saline infiltration as a sclerosing agent in the dorsal synovial cyst of the wrist. Method Patients of both genders, aged 18 years or older, with clinical and ultrasound diagnosis of synovial cyst, and without any previous treatment were selected. Case series in which 50 patients underwent aspiration of the contents of the cyst and infiltration of the hypertonic saline solution (2 ml sodium chloride solution 20% and 1 ml of lidocaine 2%). The patients were followed up for 24 weeks, when the parameters pain, strength, range of motion, function (quickDASH and Brief Michigan question), recurrence, and complications were evaluated. Results A total of 46 patients were evaluated for 24 weeks, 18 (39.1%) cysts evolved to resolution, and 28 (60.9%) presented recurrence. There was no statistically significant difference in the effect force or in the range of motion. There was no clinically significant difference in the scores of the questionnaires. The most frequent complications were pain and edema. Conclusion Infiltration with hypertonic saline solution for the treatment of dorsal synovial cyst of the wrist showed a recurrence rate of 60.9%.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia da infiltração da solução salina hipertônica como agente esclerosante no cisto sinovial dorsal do punho. Método Pacientes de ambos os sexos, com 18 anos ou mais, com diagnóstico clínico e ultrassonográfico de cisto sinovial, e sem nenhum tratamento prévio foram selectionados. Série de casos em que 50 pacientes foram submetidos a aspiração do conteúdo do cisto e infiltração da solução salina hipertônica (2 ml solução de cloreto de sódio 20% e 1 ml de lidocaína 2%). Seguimento realizado por 24 semanas, durante as quais foram avaliados os parâmetros dor, força, arco de movimento, função (questionários quick disabilities of the arm, hand, and shoulder [quickDASH] e brief Michigan), recorrência e complicações. ResultadoForam avaliados 46 pacientes por 24 semanas, 18 (39,1%) cistos evoluíram para cura e 28 (60,9%) cistos apresentaram recorrência. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos quesitos força e arco de movimento. Não houve diferença clinicamente significante nos escores dos questionários. As complicações mais frequentes foram dor e edema. Conclusão A infiltração com solução salina hipertônica para tratamento do cisto sinovial dorsal do punho mostrou taxa de recorrência de 60,9%.

Spinal synovial cysts and intersegmental instability: a chiropractic case.

OBJECTIVE: This article presents a case in which synovial cysts appeared to cause compromise of the neural foramina and thecal sac with presenting neurological signs. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 67-year-old female patient with a history of lumbar synovial cysts and synovectomy presented with recurrence of bilateral low back, leg pain, and apparent neurological compromise along with a recurrence of lumbar synovial cyst as evidenced on magnetic resonance images. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME: Flexion distraction therapy, performance of Williams low back exercises and interferential therapy resulted in 50% relief. Frequency of care was progressively diminished as she improved. The patient experienced recurrence of severe episodes; multifidi strengthening exercises were provided to address a concomitant spondylolisthesis and instability, resulting in a cessation of these episodes and improvement in functional activities. CONCLUSION: Distraction therapy seemed to alleviate the constant pain without surgical intervention. In this case, the synovial cyst may have been an incidental finding versus a primary cause of the low back and leg pain. For similar patients, in the absence of correlative progressive neurological signs, surgical intervention may not be necessary.

Regression of an atlantoaxial degenerative articular cyst associated with subluxation during conservative treatment. Case report and review of the literature.

The presence of an atlantoaxial degenerative articular cyst is rare; when present this lesion extends posteriorly to the dens, causing cervicomedullary compressive myelopathy. The authors describe a symptomatic case of this lesion associated with atlantoaxial subluxation in a 76-year-old man. The patient's neurological symptoms resolved and corresponded to a reduction in the size of the cyst. After 8 months of continued conservative treatment, in which the patient wore a Philadelphia collar, the cyst spontaneously regressed. Subsequently, a C1-2 posterior fusion was performed to treat the atlantoaxial subluxation.

Treatment of patients with spinoglenoid cysts associated with superior labral tears without cyst aspiration, debridement, or excision.

PURPOSE: To describe a case series of 10 consecutive patients with spinoglenoid cysts and associated superior labral tears treated by labral repair performed by the same surgeon without formal cyst aspiration, debridement, or excision. METHODS: Ten patients with spinoglenoid cysts and associated superior labral tears demonstrated on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were retrospectively reviewed. Evidence of weakness on examination was further evaluated through nerve conduction studies. All 10 patients underwent surgical repair of the labral tear performed by the same surgeon without formal cyst aspiration, debridement, or excision. Postoperatively, detailed shoulder and neurologic examinations were performed, and follow-up nerve conduction studies and MRIs were obtained. RESULTS: Ten patients were evaluated clinically at a mean of 10.2 months after surgical repair (range, 6 to 27 months). In all, 8 males and 2 females of average age 47.7 years (range, 35 to 56 years) were studied. Preoperative examination revealed that 6 patients had external rotation weakness. Nerve conduction studies performed in these 6 patients confirmed suprascapular neuropathy in 4 of them. Labral repair without formal cyst excision resulted in successful outcomes for all 10 patients after spinoglenoid cysts associated with superior labral tears had been diagnosed. All 4 patients with suprascapular neuropathy recovered strength and demonstrated normal nerve conduction studies postoperatively. In 8 of 10 patients, MRIs performed postoperatively demonstrated complete resolution of the cyst, along with labral healing. All patients were able to return to work with no restrictions on activities, and all were satisfied with their outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated successful clinical, electromyographic, and MRI outcomes for patients with spinoglenoid cysts and superior labral tears, who were treated by labral repair without formal cyst excision. Treatment given for intra-articular disease is the key component of surgical management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series study.

Evaluation and Treatment of Lumbar Facet Cysts.

Lumbar facet cysts are a rare but increasingly common cause of symptomatic nerve root compression and can lead to radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication, and cauda equina syndrome. The cysts arise from the zygapophyseal joints of the lumbar spine and commonly demonstrate synovial herniation with mucinous degeneration of the facet joint capsule. Lumbar facet cysts are most common at the L4-L5 level and often are associated with spondylosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Advanced imaging studies have increased diagnosis of the cysts; however, optimal treatment of the cysts remains controversial. First-line treatment is nonsurgical management consisting of oral NSAIDs, physical therapy, bracing, epidural steroid injections, and/or cyst aspiration. Given the high rate of recurrence and the relatively low satisfaction with nonsurgical management, surgical options, including hemilaminectomy or laminotomy to excise the cyst and decompress the neural elements, are typically performed. Recent studies suggest that segmental fusion of the involved levels may decrease the risks of cyst recurrence and radiculopathy.

Simple wrist ganglia in children: a follow-up study.

Our study aimed at characterizing the natural history and defining the indications for surgical intervention for pediatric ganglia. Thirty-four cases of children under the age of 17 years were reviewed. Twenty-nine children were treated conservatively, with spontaneous resolution in 27 within an average of 9 months; four were treated by aspiration; recurrence was observed in one, and one underwent surgical excision without recurrence. We recommend a conservative management coupled with reassurance for the child and parents. Surgery should be considered for ganglions with atypical appearance or complaints, and large cysts that do not show signs of resolution within a year.

Chiropractic treatment of lumbar spine synovial cysts: a report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present the treatment of low back and radicular pain due to synovial cysts of the lumbar spine including chiropractic distraction manipulation and physiological therapeutic care. CLINICAL FEATURES: Two patients (71-year-old man and 59-year-old woman) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-diagnosed large synovial cysts at the L3 through L4 and L4 through L5 vertebral levels, respectively, had lower extremity pain, numbness, and tingling of the respective L4 and L5 dermatomes. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Chiropractic distraction manipulation was performed at the level of the synovial cyst. The manipulation was performed daily until 50% pain relief was attained, followed by diminished frequency of care. Physiotherapy included positive galvanism, iontophoresis, tetanizing electrical stimulation, stabilization exercises, and home cryotherapy. The male patient's pain was reduced by 50% in 14 days and 100% at 60 days. Range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine increased, walking distance increased from 1 to 2 blocks to 1 mile without pain, and repeat MRI showed reduced size of the cyst. The female patient, under the same treatment regimen, was pain free in 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: Chiropractic distraction manipulation and physiological therapeutic care relieved 2 patients with low back and radicular pain attributed to MRI-confirmed synovial cysts of the lumbar spine. This treatment may be an initial conservative treatment option for synovial cysts with careful patient monitoring for progressive neurologic deficit which would necessitate surgery. Distraction manipulation may be a safe and effective conservative treatment of synovial cyst causing radicular pain; further data collection of clinical outcomes is warranted.

Percutaneous Rupture of a Symptomatic Facet Joint Synovial Cyst Using 2-Needle Distention.

OBJECTIVE: This case report calls attention to an alternative approach for management of a symptomatic facet joint synovial cyst. We describe a patient with a symptomatic facet joint synovial cyst who failed an attempted percutaneous rupture using a single-needle technique. This patient was subsequently successfully managed with percutaneous rupture using a 2-needle technique. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old woman presented with low back pain, right lower extremity pain, and paresthesias. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right L5-S1 facet joint cyst, which compressed the right L5 nerve root. Before presentation, the patient failed an attempted single-needle percutaneous rupture. The decision was made to proceed with percutaneous rupture using a 2-needle technique. A 22-gauge needle was inserted into the right L5-S1 facet joint, and a Tuohy needle was inserted directly into the cyst through an interlaminar approach. A solution of methylprednisolone and hyaluronidase was simultaneously injected through both needles, and the cyst was continuously distended until rupture was achieved. Rupture was confirmed by injecting contrast into the facet joint and visualizing a normal epidurogram. The patient reported significant pain relief immediately after the procedure. At 4-month follow-up, the patient reported continued pain relief and denied any radicular symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous rupture of a symptomatic facet joint synovial cyst using a single-needle technique has been validated as an efficacious form of management. In a select group of patients who fail single-needle percutaneous rupture, a 2-needle approach for percutaneous facet cyst rupture may be considered as an option for management.

Immediate Reduction of a Retro-odontoid Synovial Cyst Following Lateral Atlantoaxial Joint Puncture and Arthrography: A Case Report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: We report on a case with a retro-odontoid synovial cyst, and the immediate reduction of the cyst was confirmed after lateral atlantoaxial joint puncture and arthrography. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Retro-odontoid synovial cysts are rare diseases located posteriorly to a dense axis. Because most reports have focused on surgical treatment, only a few have examined nonsurgical treatment. However, several months are required after nonsurgical treatment until cyst regression. METHODS: A 52-year-old female presented with atlantoaxial instability. She complained of neck pain and numbness in her hands. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a retro-odontoid synovial cyst. Lateral atlantoaxial joint puncture and arthrography were performed. RESULTS: Two days after treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in the numbness of her hands, and a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed an immediate reduction in the cyst. During a 4.5-year follow-up period, no recurrence of the clinical symptoms occurred. CONCLUSION: Lateral atlantoaxial joint puncture may immediately reduce retro-odontoid synovial cysts, and the lateral atlantoaxial joint has a communication channel with the retro-odontoid synovial cyst via the atlantodental joint. Once disappearance of the cyst is confirmed, an acceptable long-term outcome can be achieved with nonsurgical treatment even in cases with atlantoaxial instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Synovial cysts and ganglia: the value of magnetic resonance imaging.

Synovial and ganglion cysts commonly present in close proximity to joints and skeletal structures in rheumatic disorders. Familiarity with the presentation of these soft tissue masses can facilitate timely diagnosis and effective management, thus avoiding costly and potentially high-risk procedures to patients. Management usually consists of local, nonsurgical approaches. A patient with chronic joint deformities and clinical features primarily consistent with mixed connective tissue disease is described. Multiple localized masses developed at her right elbow and were identified on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging as multiloculated cysts that dissected from the elbow joint. The cysts were treated successfully by needle aspiration and intraarticular corticosteroid injection. The clinical associations, diagnosis, treatment, and management of synovial cysts and ganglions are reviewed.

Treatment of mucoid cysts of fingers and toes by injection of sclerosant.

Mucoid cysts of the fingers and toes may be cured by injection of a sclerosant such as sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Easy to perform and inexpensive, this technique appears to be without complications. Most patients are cured after a single injection. Very few need a second or third injection. Relapses are uncommon.

Ulnar nerve compression at the wrist by a synovial cyst successfully treated with percutaneous puncture and corticosteroid injection.

A case of ulnar nerve palsy due to a conduction block in the deep motor branch at the wrist is reported. The cause was a rapidly growing synovial cyst. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were performed to determine the exact location of the cyst, which was punctured and injected with corticosteroid. Function promptly returned to normal after this procedure.