Case Review Series: Synovial Cyst Without Fusion

In the Case Review Series, Dr. Kimball walks through a variety of real-life patient cases, reviews films and discusses past, planned or completed treatments for the patient. Check out more case reviews on the Case Review Series Playlist.

[lisachaburkin]

What are the statistics of needing a fusion after one of these procedures with the Coflex?

[davidmitchell]

An epiduroscopic drainage of the cyst combined with a steroid injection seems more conservative management. Total is three puncture wounds and no loss of hard tissue.
An extra lateral approach to fusion would only require two stab incisions with no resection of hard tissue. This might be needed if the first method failed to provide relief

[mickypoole]

a girl friend had synovial cyst along with a grade one spondylolisthesis. The cyst turned up after a laminectomy in the lumbar. She had a cortisone injection and the doctor pierced the cyst and flooded the area and it never returned. The surgeon did warn if it returned fusion would be the most likely result

[brandtl]

Is the cyst the last cry of a badly degenerative facet joint?