Synovial cyst and Possible Surgery

[Laurie8481]

I was diagnosed with a synovial cyst on L3 L4 about a year ago.  I have had 3 epidural injections and 1 aspiration and the cyst is still there.  It sits on all the nerves effecting the left side.  I have chroic pain in the legs, pelvin area, across the buttocks and down the back of both legs.  My left leg is weaker and at times I feel like my legs may gave way and lften they are shaky.  My understanding is that the chance of the cyst returning with future epidurals is 70%.  If I undergo surgery and have the cyst removed, the neurosurgeon says it will not return.  Has anyone experienced this or had the surgery that can relate and give me some insight?

[Barbacqua]

i had a snyovial cyst removed 13 weeks ago.  I had no fusion....but now i am starting to get pain again and the start of numbness. I am worried it grew back I go to the doc this Friday....we shall see.  

[Roselady50]

I just read posts and responded to Laurie. I would be interested to hear of your update of a returning synovial cyst. Thank you and god bless! Roselady 50

[reginamarie10271]

It's been almost a year since you posted so I am not sure if you still have your cyst. If not let me tell you my story. I found out in 7/10 that I had a synovial cyst on L5/S1. The pain was unbearbale in my whloe left leg and I had weakness too. Surgeon said nothing will work except surgery. Epidurals do not cure cysts, they simply reduce inflammation in the joints.I had epidurals, facet join injections and took every pain killer u can think of. Anyway, I had surgery, a laminectomy and the cyst was removed as well as scraping some arthritic joint to get to it. Surgeon said cyst was "twisting" my nerve. After about 3 weeks of rest I was back to walking on the treadmill every day. I felt great. I was pain free for 1 month but a new horrfic pain started in October. Now I have left sided thigh, groin and hip pain. Just had an MRI 12/10 and the cyst grew back!!!!!! I can't believe it and neither can my surgeon!! I just told the dr. on medhelp (Abhijeet, V) and he can't believe it either. I have 2 apts. scheduled this week with 2 different surgeons. The only way the cyst will not grow back is to FUSE the 2 bones together. I have a feeling that is what these surgeons will tell me. I have done copious amounts of research on synovial cysts and that seems to be the only conclusion. If u have surgery make sure they fuse the bones together. Recovery seems to be  a lot longer, 6 to 9 months but I hope and pray it's worth it. It's my only shot to get out of this miserable pain. Good luck to you. Keep me posted.

[Roselady50]

Just now reading your story of synovial cyst. I hope you have restored health by now. I had a synovial cyst removed one year ago. Surgeons did not do a fusion but did say I would need one at a later date for other back issues. The last few weeks has been a painful nightmare. Same pain returned and a dime size lump that hurts to the touch. I thought how could this be? Reading this post educated me with info I was not informed about. I too had the injections with pain management for 4 years. MRI 's, X-rays etc. I was told your back has age related deterioration  and they had seen worse. Count my meds and scold me like a child if I took one too many. I was given 3 a day dose. My excruciating pain was never below an 8 being conservative. My last injections were over the top painful and felt him hitting a spot I could not handle the pain. All he could say was hold still. I know now it was my cyst on those nerves. My 82 year old Dad, retired Air Force, begged me to go to Mayo Clinic. I made a call to the Jacksonville, Florida location and 6 weeks later I had surgery with most amazing team! I had a synovial cyst that was largest ever seen and removed at the Mayo! I had to travel out of state to seek help. The pain dr/anesthesiologist never acknowledged this with me nor has he spoken a word to me! Young hotshot ole Miss graduate with a serious not me attitude! What has happened to a Doctor's  oath of do no harm?  Beware!!
My elderly Father passed right before my surgery. I know I had Devine intervention. Thanks to all who posted your experiences. It has helped me learn more about this cyst. God bless all of you!

[firefighter829]

Hey laurie how are you.I am a full time firefighter 17 years.I had a L5 S1 spinal fusion done in december of 2008 and 2 synovial cyst were tethered also on my nerves worst pain down leg and they extracted them and my back is great now.Was out from fusion for 4 months but 3 months later ran my first 70.3 mile ironman.cyst are rare but it happens.