Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
11:30
Multilevel Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease with Instability
Published on: July 25, 2025
Lumbar diskal cyst containing intervertebral disk materials
Hiroyuki Tsuchie1, Tomio Nishi, Takayuki Tani
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan. tsuchie@doc.med.akita-u.ac.jp
Orthopedics
|November 5, 2011
Summary
Diskal cysts, a rare spinal condition, can develop from herniated intervertebral discs. These cysts, containing disc material, show symptom improvement after surgical removal.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Diskal cysts are an emerging clinical entity causing nerve root compression.
- The exact pathogenesis of diskal cysts remains incompletely understood.
- Existing theories often involve epidural venous plexus hemorrhage.
Observation:
- This study details two rare cases of lumbar epidural diskal cysts.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cysts communicating with adjacent herniated intervertebral discs.
- Surgical exploration confirmed direct connections between the cysts and the herniated discs.
Findings:
- Histopathology of the cyst walls revealed cartilaginous tissue, including nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus.
- These findings support the hypothesis that diskal cysts can arise from the resorption of herniated intervertebral disc material.
- The two presented cases are among the few documented instances of diskal cysts containing cartilaginous disc tissue.
Implications:
- The findings suggest an alternative pathway for diskal cyst formation, distinct from venous hemorrhage.
- Successful surgical resection led to significant symptom improvement and no recurrence in the reported cases.
- This research contributes to a better understanding of diskal cyst etiology and management.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...