![]() ![]() A ligamentous membrane (ligamentum flavum) between the vertebral arches is also removed.A small portion of bone is removed from the vertebral arches to improve access.The bony arches and facet joint of the vertebrae are exposed.The overlying back muscles are lifted off the involved vertebrae and moved to the side.Your surgeon will make an incision of 1 to 1½-inches in the midline over the affected region of spine identified by previous imaging studies. ![]() The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and you will lie face down on the operating table. This is often followed by fusion of the adjacent vertebrae to avoid recurrence of the cyst. To remove the cyst and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves your doctor will perform a procedure called microdecompression. Smokers are advised to quit well before the procedure to avoid problems such as delayed healing and infection. You may have to stop taking certain medications prior to the procedure. ![]() Imaging studies of the spine are performed to plan the surgery. Surgical removal of the facet joint cyst is indicated when symptoms are severe and not relieved by conservative treatment such as pain medication, activity modification and joint injections. This may be permanent if not treated emergently. Rarely, a facet joint cyst can lead to cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition which can lead to paralysis and loss of bladder and bowel function. Increased pain with standing or walking.Pain that radiates down the back of the leg to the foot.Pain and cramping in the lower back and legs.Spinal stenosis caused by a facet joint cyst may be associated with: Indications for Removal of Facet Joint Cysts These cysts normally occur in the lumbar spine (lower back) area and may not cause problems, but when large enough, they can cause spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal leading to compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Home / Specialties / Spine / Procedures / Removal of Facet Joint Cyst What are Facet Joint Cysts?įacet joint cysts, also called synovial cysts, are benign, fluid-filled sacs that develop due to degeneration of the facet joints of the spine. ![]()
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