Treatment for Facet Cyst

The results of treatment in patients with symptomatic facet cyst are reviewed. Six patients with neurogenic sign were treated. All cysts were associated with facet joint osteoarthritis. The connection between cyst and facet joint was revealed with arthrography. Four patients were treated conservatively and acquired neurogenic recovery. On the follow-up MR images, one cyst decreased in size, one cyst remained unchanged, and one cyst disappeared. Two patients were treated with cyst excision in surgical treatment. The symptoms disappeared. Histological findings showed that the cystic wall was composed of fibrous connective tissues including hemosiderin, but without synovial lining cell. No recurrence was found on the follow-up MR images.