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Updated: May 1, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
4.9K
Synovial cyst mimicking an intraspinal sacral mass
Jason Hoover1, Stephen Pirris2
1The Texas Brain and Spine Institute, 8441 State Highway 47, Suite 4300, Bryan, TX 77807, USA ; Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Case Reports in Neurological Medicine
|April 10, 2014
Summary
A rare sacral synovial cyst caused severe leg pain by compressing nerves. Surgical removal provided significant pain relief, highlighting an unusual case without facet joint connection.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Synovial cysts are typically associated with facet joints.
- Cysts in the sacral canal are uncommon.
- Nerve root compression can cause significant pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of a sacral synovial cyst.
- To describe the diagnostic and surgical management.
- To discuss the cyst's atypical features.
Main Methods:
- Lumbar spine MRI to identify the cystic mass.
- Neurosurgical evaluation and consultation.
- Surgical excision via hemilaminectomy.
- Histopathological analysis of the cyst.
Main Results:
- MRI revealed a cystic mass compressing S1 and S2 nerve roots.
- Surgical removal of an epidural, partially hemorrhagic synovial cyst.
- Pathology confirmed a synovial cyst with no apparent facet joint connection.
- Postoperative improvement in the patient's leg pain.
Conclusions:
- Synovial cysts can occur in the sacral canal, even without facet joint connection.
- Surgical excision is an effective treatment for symptomatic sacral synovial cysts.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathologies in spinal diagnostics.
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