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Endoscope-assisted excision of a juxtafacet cyst in an adolescent athlete: a case report
Justin Hopkins1, Toshinori Sakai2, Koichi Sairyo2
1University of California, Irvine, California, United States.
Background:
Juxtafacet cysts (JFCs) are a cause of back and radicular pain that can be treated conservatively and operatively. Such strategies include lumbosacral brace, epidural injection, open surgery, and minimally invasive surgery; although surgical treatment is usually reserved for unsuccessful conservative treatment. The role of minimally invasive surgery in athletic youth with JFCs has yet to be determined.
Patients/Material And Methods:
The patient is a 16-year-old basketball player with a JFC. We performed endoscope-assisted cystectomy.
Results:
Endoscope-assisted JFC excision immediately and completely resolved the patient's lower back and leg pain with no recurrence of symptoms 4 years after surgery.
Conclusion:
We suggest that JFCs of the lumbar spine be a part of the differential diagnosis in young patients with back and radicular pain. Furthermore, we recommend that endoscope-assisted surgery be employed in the treatment of JFCs in young athletes.
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