Percutaneous fluoroscopic lumbar facet joint synovial cyst aspiration for manifesting with radiculopathy and low back pain

Lumbar facet joint synovial cysts are benign degenerative abnormalities of the lumbar spine and can cause lower extremity radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, and low back pain. Herein, we report a case with a synovial cyst treated by percutaneous fluoroscopic aspiration via the facet joint. A 46-year-old woman presented to the neurosurgery clinic complaining of a 2-month history of low back pain with left-sided radicular symptoms. Her physical examination was consistent with a left L5 radiculopathy, and MRI confirmed a left L5-S1 facet joint synovial cyst compressing the nerve root. Percutaneous fluoroscopic cyst aspiration via the facet joint was planned. The cyst was aspirated, and a total of 0.2-0.3 cc of fluid was removed. During the aspiration, the patient reported pain relief. Thus, the procedure was completed. An MRI taken after 3 weeks showed that the cyst had become smaller than before, with no evidence of nerve root compression. For 1 year, the patient has had no pain or neurological symptoms. Patients who undergo a fluoroscopic percutaneous rupture by filling of the facet joint cyst typically have successful outcomes. We conclude that aspiration of the facet joint cyst without rupture can also result in the same successful outcome.