title: A rare cause of root-compression: Subaxial cervical synovial cyst in association with congenital fusion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Synovial cyst in the cervical spine is a very rare pathology that develops from the facet joint. When a synovial cyst emerges into the surrounding space, it can compress the nervous tissue and cause neurological symptoms. In the cervical area there is additionally the risk of spinal cord compression comparing to the more common presentation of synovial cysts in the lumbar spine.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, a cervical synovial cysts from the left facet joint grew into the spinal canal and compressed the C8 nerve root which led to root compressing symptoms. Interestingly we found this synovial cyst with congenital fusion. We identified only nine similar cases in the literature. The cyst was removed surgically and the patient discharged without complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Numerous theories have been established to explain the pathogenesis of synovial cyst. Biomechanical alterations of the spine play a significant role in the development of synovial cyst. However, the etiology is still unclear.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical treatment should be considered in cervical synovial cysts with neurologic deficit or with cord compression or when the conservative treatment is ineffective.
authors.affiliation: University of Fribourg, Faculty of Sciences, Fribourg, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Tabea
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Breckwoldt
authors.affiliation: American Hospital, Neurosurgery Department, Istanbul, Turkey. Electronic address: tuncoktenoglu@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Tunc
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oktenoglu
authors.affiliation: American Hospital, Neurosurgery Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mehdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sasani
authors.affiliation: Koc University Medical School, Neurosurgery Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Tuncer
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suzer
authors.affiliation: Koc University Medical School, Neurosurgery Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ali Fahir
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Ozer
keywords: Cervical synovial cyst