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Synovial cyst arising from a lumbar pars defect

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Long standing low back pain now presenting with right sciatica

Patient Data

Age: 35
Gender: Male

Lobulatred cystic mass arising in the right L5 pars defect entering the spinal canal to compress the thecal sac and right L5 nerve root sheath

Case Discussion

Synovial cysts arising from degenerate facet joints are uncommon but well recognized. In this case a similar appearing cyst has arisen from the pseudoarthrosis that has developed in a chronic L5 pars defect. This is very unusual.

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