Spinal synovial cyst: A retrospective analysis of 204 cases

Abstract

Introduction

Several studies about spinal synovial cyst (SSC) have been conducted so far and yet many more things to be understood. The objective of this study is to further analyze SSC involving a larger number of cases.

Methods

This is a single center retrospective analysis of SSC over the period of 16 years . The cases included were intraspinal SSC of whole spine treated surgically or conservatively. Descriptive analysis of SSC at different spinal segments was done in terms of demography, symptoms and treatment

Results

Data of 204 cases of SSC were systematically collected of which 128 were female and 76 were male, the mean age being 61.37 ± 11.62 years. Females were significantly younger than males (p=0.012). Of them 196 were lumbar cyst (LSC) and eight were others (non-lumbar). The mean age was significantly lower (p=0.021) and mean body mass indedx (BMI) was significantly higher (p=0.016) in lumbar than in non-limbar cases. Neurogenic claudication (NC) was significantly associated with surgical treatment (p=<0.001). There was no significant difference between the type of surgery, whether fused or not, in terms of outcome and complications. However, symptomatology and surgeon’s choice significantly determined the type of surgery.

Conclusion

Younger females tend to develop SSC more than their counterparts, especially in the lower lumbar spine. Mean age and BMI were significantly different among spinal levels and high BMI is a risk factor for LSC. There is no significant difference in outcome and complications between the groups treated with and without fusion surgery.