Intra soinal synovial cyst between L3-L4

[rfsweitzer]

MRI revealed an Intra spinal synovial cyst between L3-L4. I have severe pain down my front right leg over my quad and upper calf. I have not had consultation with my Orthopedic surgeon yet. What are my treatment options?

[Mahariffic]

In my case, the large cyst had calcified and could not be drained. It grew larger and finally, I was fortunate the find the best orthopedic spine specialist in South Carolina (Todd Lansford) who surgically removed the cyst that had wrapped around the nerve like a snake and ending at the top of L-3. Lamenectomies were performed to access and remove this twisted, strangulating cyst. It was a tedious 3-hour procedure, but my nerve was not damaged as a result. I was told that had prior doctors treated the cyst, it could have been drained and deflated via minimally invasive techniques that may not have required the lamenectomies.

[Mahariffic]

In my case, the large cyst had calcified and could not be drained. It grew larger and finally, I was fortunate the find the best orthopedic spine specialist in South Carolina (Todd Lansford) who surgically removed the cyst that had wrapped around the nerve like a snake and ending at the top of L-3. Lamenectomies were performed to access and remove this twisted, strangulating cyst. It was a tedious 3-hour procedure, but my nerve was not damaged as a result. I was told that had prior doctors treated the cyst, it could have been drained and deflated via minimally invasive techniques that may not have required the lamenectomies.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Rfsweitzer,

Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us and took the time to post.

Obviously there are no physicians on our forum or experts on our forum. Your physician will probably refer you to a neurosurgeon to determine the best course of treatment.

Intraspinal synovial cyst primarily occurs in the lumbar spine, just where yours is located.  Sometimes these cysts can cause back pain and/or compress the nerve. There are several approaches. Sometimes surgical removal of the cyst is required. Other times they close to aspirate (drain) the cyst. The issue with aspiration is that the cyst can fill back up. This will certainly be your surgeon's decision....with your input of course.

The good news is these cysts are benign. They can reoccur is other locations of the spine or you may never have another cyst again.

I hope you will let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to hearing your updates.

My Best to You,
~Tuck