Air in the Spine: A Rare Gas-Filled Cyst
Ellie D Gabriel1, Ben Gu1, Brendan F Judy1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
World Neurosurgery
|July 30, 2025
Summary
Gas-filled intraspinal synovial cysts are rare. Surgical removal of a lumbar synovial cyst relieved a patient's severe leg pain and improved mobility, highlighting its importance in treating radiculopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Imaging
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Gas-containing intraspinal synovial cysts are uncommon spinal pathologies.
- Surgical case reports detailing their management are scarce.
- Synovial cysts can cause significant neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of a gas-filled intraspinal synovial cyst.
- To emphasize the consideration of synovial cysts in the differential diagnosis of radiculopathy.
- To demonstrate successful surgical intervention for this condition.
Main Methods:
- A 63-year-old male patient presented with low back pain and neurogenic claudication.
- Imaging identified an 8x8 mm gas-filled synovial cyst at L4-L5, causing central canal stenosis and nerve root compression.
- The patient underwent L4 decompressive laminectomy and cyst resection.
Main Results:
- The gas-filled synovial cyst was successfully resected.
- Postoperatively, the patient experienced complete resolution of leg pain.
- Improved mobility was reported following the surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Intraspinal synovial cysts, even when gas-containing, should be considered in patients with radiculopathy.
- Surgical management, including cyst decompression and resection, can lead to excellent patient outcomes.
- This case underscores the effectiveness of surgical intervention for symptomatic intraspinal synovial cysts.
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