Minimally Invasive Hemilaminectomy in Baastrup Disease: A Case Report and Discussion of "Kissing Spine Disease"

A patient presented with midline back pain radiating into the left lower extremity. Magnetic Resonance images revealed an abnormal midline dorsal structure described as a facet cyst. Rupture was attempted by spinal needle under fluoroscopic guidance. His pain returned in less than 2 weeks. Further study of the images showed the structure was more medial and cephalad than typical facet cysts, leading to a revised diagnosis of Baastrup disease. The cyst was surgically removed by minimally invasive techniques; an uninstrumented spinal arthrodesis was performed.

Baastrup disease is commonly misdiagnosed. Despite the delay in treatment, surgical intervention was effective.