Answer to Quiz No. 35/2015 dated 25 October 2015
Spinal synovial cyst from right facet joint
Findings:
calcified lesion noted within spinal canal on right side, in contact with right facet joint. The lesion causes spinal cord compression, canal stenosis and narrowing of right neural foramen. Degenerative changes seen in facet joints.
Discussion:
Spinal synovial cysts are more common at L4-L5 level. This is the site of maximum mobility. The predilection for cysts to occur adjacent to this facet joint level has been attributed to the amount of degenerative spondylosis and spinal instability.Typically seen as a calcified cystic lesion adjacent to a facet joint. CT may also show adjacent facet joint arthropathy +/- presence of gas.
Contributed By:
Dr Iyappan Ponnuswamy MD, FRCR, Dr. Jeyabarathy DMRD, FRCR,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
Findings:
calcified lesion noted within spinal canal on right side, in contact with right facet joint. The lesion causes spinal cord compression, canal stenosis and narrowing of right neural foramen. Degenerative changes seen in facet joints.
Discussion:
Spinal synovial cysts are more common at L4-L5 level. This is the site of maximum mobility. The predilection for cysts to occur adjacent to this facet joint level has been attributed to the amount of degenerative spondylosis and spinal instability.Typically seen as a calcified cystic lesion adjacent to a facet joint. CT may also show adjacent facet joint arthropathy +/- presence of gas.
Contributed By:
Dr Iyappan Ponnuswamy MD, FRCR, Dr. Jeyabarathy DMRD, FRCR,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai