Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Laminectomy for the Removal of Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum TOLF Using Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomes
Published on: April 21, 2023
Thoracic Synovial Cyst at the Th2-3 Level Causing Myelopathy
Martin M Sundskarð1, Shahin Gaini1,2,3
1Medical Department, National Hospital Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
Intraspinal synovial cysts are rare causes of myelopathy, often affecting the lumbar and cervical spine. This case highlights a thoracic intraspinal synovial cyst successfully treated with laminectomy and cyst excision, leading to full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Intraspinal synovial cysts are uncommon causes of myelopathy.
- They predominantly occur in the lumbar and cervical spine, with rarity in the thoracic region.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male presented with leg paresthesia and weakness attributed to an intraspinal, extradural synovial cyst at the Th2-3 level.
- Thoracic synovial cysts are predominantly located in the lower thoracic spine.
Findings:
- Surgical laminectomy and cyst excision were performed for the thoracic intraspinal synovial cyst.
- The patient experienced a complete recovery following the surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Laminectomy with excision is the primary treatment for thoracic intraspinal synovial cysts.
- While less common, thoracic intraspinal synovial cysts can cause significant neurological deficits and are amenable to surgical treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Thoracic Aorta
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Spinal Nerves: Anatomy
There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, each emerging from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina—openings between adjacent vertebrae. These nerves are...

