Diagnostic challenge: bilateral infected lumbar facet cysts - a rare cause of acute lumbar spinal stenosis and back pain

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Brett A Freedman, Emory University; Tuan L Bui, Emory University; Tim Yoon, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2010-03-05
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: ©2010 Freedman et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.josr-online.com/content/5/1/14
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
• ISSN: 1749-799X
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 14
• Grant/Funding Information: No funding was received in support of this project.
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Symptomatic synovial lumbar facet cysts are a relatively rare cause of radiculopathy and spinal stenosis. This case and brief review of the literature, details a patient who presented with acutely symptomatic bilateral spontaneously infected synovial facet (L4/5) cysts. This report highlights diagnostic clues for identifying infection of a facet cyst.