Full-Endoscopic Removal of Lumbar Juxtafacet Cysts: A Prospective Multicentric Study

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
• Spinal Oncology

Background:

• Lumbar juxtafacet cysts are benign lesions near spinal facet joints.
• There is a growing preference for less invasive treatments in degenerative spine disease.
• This study evaluates full-endoscopic surgery for juxtafacet cyst removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of full-endoscopic surgery for lumbar juxtafacet cyst removal.
• To evaluate the clinical outcomes and complication rates of this minimally invasive approach.
• To compare the results with traditional open or tubular techniques.

Main Methods:

• A prospective multicenter study included 35 patients with lumbar juxtafacet cysts.
• Patients underwent full-endoscopic cyst removal between January 2017 and August 2019.
• Data collected included operative time, leg pain reduction, complications, and spine stability.

Main Results:

• Mean leg pain significantly decreased from 6.8 preoperatively to 2.1 at 6 months post-surgery (P < 0.001).
• Approximately 89% of patients experienced pain relief or improvement at a median 15-month follow-up.
• The study reported a low complication rate (6%), including two minor dural tears.

Conclusions:

• Full-endoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible option for lumbar juxtafacet cyst removal.
• Outcomes are comparable to those achieved with open or tubular surgical techniques.
• This approach represents a viable minimally invasive alternative for treating these spinal lesions.