[Sciatica caused by a posterior articular cyst. Apropos of 8 cases]

The authors report 8 cases of sciatica secondary to a posterior articular cyst. They emphasize the clinical manifestations permitting to suspect this etiology of root compression, which, until now, was rather unusual. Computerized axial tomography makes the diagnosis possible along with posterior arthrography. This arthrography represents the first stage of the medical treatment by posterior joint infiltration of a steroid derivative. In 60 p. cent of the cases, a definite and persisting improvement permits to avoid a surgical procedure.