[Lumbar synovial cysts : six case studies].

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to discuss the clinical and radiological aspects as well as the controversies in the management of lumbar synovial cysts.
Methods: We report a retrospective analysis of a series of 6 cases of lumbar synovial cysts. Patients presented with unilateral radicular pain mimicking a disc herniation. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) was performed in all patients. A computerized tomography scan was performed in one case and X rays in 2 cases. All patients were operated on and the cyst resected. Arthrodesis was not performed in any of our patients.
Results: Functional outcome was marked by a significant improvement. Excellent results were found in 4 patients. Three patients who presented with a motor deficit recovered after the surgery.
Conclusions: Lumbar synovial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any radicular compression. MRI is the examination of choice. Surgical resection is the definitive treatment with low rates of complications and recurrences.