Korean J Spine.  2013 Jun;10(2):61-64. 10.14245/kjs.2013.10.2.61.

Clinical Analysis of Microscopic Removal of Discal Cyst

• Wang ES
• Lee CG
• Kim SW
• Kim YS
• Kim DM

• KMID: 1412541
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/kjs.2013.10.2.61

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation and surgical outcome in patients with symptomatic discal cyst.
METHODS
The authors reviewed consequent 9 patients in whom microscopic excision of the discal cyst with or without additional discectomy for discal cyst from 2005 to 2012. Diagnostic imagings including simple radiographs, computed tomography with discogram and magnetic resonance images were performed in each case. The patients were reviewed to evaluate the clinical presentation, surgical outcome and related complications.
RESULTS
In all patients, discal cyst was located in the lumbar region and they presented with back pain and unilateral radiating pain. The preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan with discogram showed a connection between the cyst and the involved intervertebral disc. All patients obtained immediate relief of symptoms after microscopic excision of discal cyst. There were no recurrent lesions during follow-up period. The mean preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) was 7.8 when compared with 2.6 in preoperative assessment. All patients obtained excellent or good outcome according to modified MacNab's criteria.
CONCLUSION
Discal cysts are rare lesions that can lead to back pain and refractory sciatica. Microscopic excision of the cyst can achieve remarkable improvement of symptoms.

Keyword

Discal cyst; Excision; Microscope

MeSH Terms

Back Pain
Dental Cements
Diskectomy
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Intervertebral Disc
Lumbosacral Region
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Sciatica
Dental Cements