Dr. John D. Lipani has extensive knowledge and experience in brain and spine surgery, including spinal cyst treatment. As a leading expert in surgical brain and spine procedures as well as in non-invasive or knifeless brain and spine surgery, Dr. Lipani has years of specialized practice and is committed to providing all patients with the highest quality treatments and services.
A spinal cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in the spine as a result of degeneration and can lead to spinal stenosis or other painful, serious conditions. The most common cyst that develops in the spine is called a synovial cyst. Because this kind of cyst is most often the result of degeneration, it may be associated with other spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis or facet joint arthropathy. Spinal cysts often develop as a consequence of facet joint instability.
The patient's spinal cyst symptoms will depend on the cyst's size, position and how it is impacting the surrounding neural structures. Lower back pain, leg pain, muscle weakness or tingling are all common symptoms of a spinal cyst. A spinal cyst is best seen on an MRI of the spine. In addition to an MRI, X-rays may be ordered to rule out evidence of spinal instability. It is very important to identify instability before undergoing surgery for spinal cyst because a revision surgery will often be required at a later date.
When deciding which spinal cyst treatment to pursue, patients need to base their decisions on three primary factors:
If the spinal cyst pain is relatively tolerable, it may be reasonable for the patient to modify his or her activities. However, if the pain is severe, an injection might be indicated. If the pain is severe and has been going on for an extended period of time or if the injections have not worked, then surgery may be recommended.
Spinal cyst surgery most commonly involves decompression with or without spine fusion surgery. This involves removing the cyst and then fusing the joint together to prevent the cyst from regenerating. Surgery is usually reserved for patients who do not respond to initial conservative treatment methods.
For more information about spinal cyst treatment and spinal cyst surgery, contact the office of Dr. John D. Lipani at (609)-890-3400 today!
