In patients with degenerative pathology of the spine, the first cause of back pain can be synovial cysts.
What are synovial cysts?
The spine has several joints. Synovial cysts are located in the facet joints of the spine. These are the joints between the bony projections at the back of the vertebrae.
Synovial cysts are benign. These are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the joints of the lumbar spine and can cause a problem. If large enough, these sacs can cause spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal nerves – which causes pain.
What causes synovial cysts?
The synovium is a thin layer of tissue that produces fluid to help lubricate the joints. When the joints in the lumbar spine begin to degenerate, this fluid can build up in an attempt to protect the joint. In some patients, the small amounts of fluid that escape from the joint capsule (but remain within the synovium) create a pocket that forms a bulge. These cysts are not under great pressure and, although they are quite large, they rarely cause neurological problems or cauda equina (loss of bowel or bladder function).
The symptoms
Many elderly patients have synovial cysts in their lumbar spine but have no symptoms. Occasionally, these cysts can cause pain in the lower back, which runs down the legs.
How are synovial cysts diagnosed?
A synovial cyst can be seen on an MRI. X-rays should also be done to determine the extent of joint degeneration.
How are cysts treated?
If the cysts do not cause any symptoms, no treatment is required, except observation. If the patient experiences mild discomfort, it may be advisable to simply limit the activities that create the most discomfort. Pain relievers, injections, and other options, such as physical therapy or chiropractic, may also be helpful. However, if the patient’s pain is severe, chronic, and interferes with their daily activities, surgery may be necessary.
Day case surgery
Microdecompression can be used to treat synovial cysts. These procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques and have a relatively short recovery time. However, there is a possibility that the cysts could re-form. Another option is to remove the cyst in order to make sure it does not reappear. This is a more invasive procedure, with longer recovery time. Since every patient is different, consultation with an experienced spine specialist is essential.
Harley Street is one of the few centres that perform day case facet joint cyst surgery. This offers many advantages such as:
-Highly qualified surgeons and nurses.
– No general anaesthesia required. It can be performed under local anaesthesia. This would allow you to go back home the same day.
– Special medications are administered to relax the muscles to prevent muscle spasm and pain after the procedure.
– Lowered risk of complications such as deep venous thrombosis, infections on the ward, and other issues related to delayed mobilisation.
-Additionally, a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the fact of shorter hospital stay and preventive measures.
Book an appointment to get a checkup.
You might also want to read: Day Case Complex Spine Surgery
Patient walking out pain free after Major Spinal Surgery
What are synovial cysts?
The spine has several joints. Synovial cysts are located in the facet joints of the spine. These are the joints between the bony projections at the back of the vertebrae.
What are the symptoms of synovial cysts?
Many elderly patients have synovial cysts in their lumbar spine but have no symptoms. Occasionally, these cysts can cause pain in the lower back, which runs down the legs.
How are cysts treated?
Pain relievers, injections, and other options, such as physical therapy or chiropractic are helpful. However, if the patient's pain is severe, chronic, and interferes with their daily activities, surgery may be necessary.
