Journal article
Synovial cyst of lumbar spine and facet joint effusion
Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, Vol.260, 109231
01/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2025.109231
PMID: 41237587
Abstract
Spinal synovial cysts (SC) are often associated with facet joint effusion (FJE). However, there is a paucity of information in the literature regarding their relationship. The main objective of this study was to explore the association between FJE and lumbar SC.
We retrospectively analyzed lumbar SC cases. FJE was identified and measured based on T2W magnetic resonance imaging, axial sections. Various aspects of association between lumbar SC and FJE were analyzed.
A total of 153 lumbar SC cases and 306 facet joints were evaluated with FJE measurement. The mean size of FJE (ipsilateral to cyst) was significantly higher at L4-5 and lower at L1-2 (p = 0.025) and was higher in those with higher body mass index (BMI) > 28 (median value) (p = 0.034). Of 306 facet joints, FJE was significantly bigger in those harboring SC (p = 0.029). Presence of SC was significantly associated with FJE > 1.60 mm (median value) (p = 0.040). There was a significant positive correlation between BMI and FJE (r = 0.252, p = 0.002) in lumbar SC cases. However, FJE was not significant in terms of demography, type of surgery and outcome.
FJE is a sign of degeneration associated with lumbar SC and is significantly higher at L4-5, where SCs are mostly located. Bigger size of FJE is significantly associated with higher BMI and presence of SC. However, the size of FJE alone is not significant in terms of demography, treatment and surgical outcome. A positive correlation between BMI and FJE in lumbar SC cases suggests a triangular relationship among them.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Synovial cyst of lumbar spine and facet joint effusion
- Creators
- Prabin Shrestha - University of Iowa Health CareSatoshi Yamaguchi - University of Iowa Health CareKirill V Nourski - University of Iowa Health CareHiroto Kawasaki - University of Iowa Health CareMatthew A Howard - University of Iowa Health CarePatrick Hitchon - University of Iowa Health Care
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, Vol.260, 109231
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.clineuro.2025.109231
- PMID
- 41237587
- NLM abbreviation
- Clin Neurol Neurosurg
- ISSN
- 0303-8467
- eISSN
- 1872-6968
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 11/07/2025
- Date published
- 01/2026
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9985027363002771
Metrics
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