Symptomatic Ganglion Cyst at the Facet Joint of the Lumbar Spine / 대한척추외과학회지

ABSTRACT

Ganglion cyst of the lumbar facet joint is a rare elsion. We have experienced a patient who had right leg radiating pain and he was diagnosed with ganglion cyst in the lumbar facet joint. On the MRI images, an 0.8cm sized round mass was located on the anterior aspect of the right side facet joint between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra. It was compressing the right 4th spinal root. After surgical excision, his symptoms were disappeared. Ganglion cyst of the spine occurs most commonly in the facet joint between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra, which is the most mobile back joint. It must be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc.