Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
05:44
Arthroscopic Excision of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Cysts Using a Double Posteromedial Approach
Published on: October 20, 2023
Evidence that atypical juxtafacet cysts are joint derived
Robert J Spinner1, Marie-Noëlle Hébert-Blouin, Timothy P Maus
1Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. spinner.robert@mayo.edu
Journal of Neurosurgery. Spine
|January 2, 2010
Summary
Juxtafacet cysts (JFCs) are believed to originate from spinal facet joints. This study confirms joint connections in atypical spinal JFCs, supporting a unified theory of cyst formation in all locations.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedic pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Juxtafacet cysts (JFCs) in typical spinal locations are increasingly recognized as having joint connections.
- The origin and pathogenesis of JFCs in unusual or atypical locations remain less understood.
- A unified theory of JFC formation, encompassing both typical and atypical presentations, is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of spinal juxtafacet cysts, particularly those in unusual locations.
- To determine if spinal JFCs, including atypical presentations, are consistently derived from the associated facet joints.
- To identify and characterize joint connections in spinal JFCs to support a unified theory of their formation.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify case reports of spinal intraneural cysts.
- Analysis of far-lateral (extraforaminal) JFCs treated at the authors' institution and reported in the literature.
- Specific examination for the presence of joint connections in all reviewed cases, including arthrography where applicable.
Main Results:
- Three case reports of spinal intraneural JFCs without reported joint connections were identified.
- Six cases of far-lateral JFCs treated at the institution all demonstrated joint connections.
- Arthrography confirmed facet-cyst communication in two new cases; only one prior literature case recognized this connection.
Conclusions:
- All juxtafacet cysts (JFCs), regardless of location (intraneural or extraneural), are hypothesized to be joint-derived.
- This finding supports a unified articular (synovial) theory for JFC formation, analogous to ganglion cysts in the limbs.
- Understanding JFC pathogenesis aids in targeted treatment, improved surgical outcomes, and reduced recurrence rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
01:03Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Fibrous joints are a type of joint where the bones are connected by fibrous connective tissue. These joints provide stability and minimal to no movement between the articulating bones. There are three types of fibrous joints.
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
01:20Structural Classification of Joints
Joints, also known as articulations, are classified based on their structural characteristics, i.e., based on whether the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones are directly connected by fibrous connective tissue or cartilage, or whether the articulating surfaces contact each other within a fluid-filled joint cavity. These differences serve to divide the joints of the body into three structural classifications.
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
01:17Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...
01:09Functional Classification of Joints
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...