title: [Lumbar synovial cysts : six case studies].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: Service de Neurochirurgie, CHU Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beyrouth, Liban. ronald_moussa@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moussa
authors.forename: Rosie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Najm
authors.forename: Nabil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Okais
authors.forename: Elie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Samaha
authors.forename: Toni
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rizk
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nohra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013581:Synovial Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery