Lumbar Spine Ganglion Cyst: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Feb 26;16(2):e54934. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54934. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Ganglion cysts are typically periarticular soft tissue lesions commonly found in the wrist and forearm, with spinal involvement being rare. We present a clinical case of a 54-year-old female with a ganglion cyst at the L3-L4 level, causing radiculopathy symptoms. Despite initial difficulty in diagnosis due to MRI findings, surgical resection confirmed the extradural mass as a ganglion cyst. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with immediate relief of radiculopathy symptoms. Challenges included distinguishing between synovial and ganglion cysts and accurately locating the cyst intraoperatively. This case highlights the importance of considering ganglion cysts in the differential diagnosis of spinal lesions and underscores the efficacy of surgical management for symptomatic relief.

Keywords: lumbar spine surgery; lumbosacral radiculopathy; sciatica; spinal ganglion cyst; spine injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports