Migrating lumbar facet joint cysts.

Authors :: Palmieri F
Cassar-Pullicino VN
Lalam RK
Tins BJ
Tyrrell PN
McCall IW
Source :: Skeletal radiology [Skeletal Radiol] 2006 Apr; Vol. 35 (4), pp. 220-6. Date of Electronic Publication: 2006 Feb 10.
Publication Year :: 2006
Abstract: Objective: The majority of lumbar facet joint cysts (LFJCs) are located in the spinal canal, on the medial aspect of the facet joint with characteristic diagnostic features. When they migrate away from the joint of origin, they cause diagnostic problems.<br />Materials and Methods: In a 7-year period we examined by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging five unusual cases of facet joint cysts which migrated from the facet joint of origin.<br />Results: Three LFJCs were identified in the right S1 foramen, one in the right L5-S1 neural foramen and one in the left erector spinae and multifidus muscles between the levels of L2-L4 spinous process.<br />Conclusions: Awareness that spinal lesions identified at MRI and CT could be due to migrating facet joint cyst requires a high level of suspicion. The identification of the appositional contact of the cyst and the facet joint needs to be actively sought in the presence of degenerative facet joints.