Question 1

what is a synovial cyst?

Accepted Answer

Fluid filled sac...: That can develop over any tendon or joint in the body. Usually, joint is damaged in some way, such as with osteoarthritis, where there is some destruction of the integrity of the joint space. Mostly, not painful or disabling, though may be unsightly. Exceptions would include one that is within the lower lumbar spine impinging on nerves; or knee 'baker's cyst' causing pain & swelling (r/o dvt).

Question 2

what is a synovial cyst in your spine ?

Accepted Answer

Fluid sac : This is a fluid filled sac that arises from degeneration of the facet joints. When present they usually occur in the lumbar spine, mainly l4-5 & l5-s1. Symptoms result from formation of spinal stenosis with resulting irritation of the affected nerve root.  Since cysts are a result of degenerative changes, they usually are not present until after the age of 40.

Question 3

how does a ganglion cyst differ from a synovial cyst?

Accepted Answer

No difference: They are essentially the same with respect to origin and tissue type.

Question 4

is there a  difference between a ganglion cyst and a synovial cyst?

Accepted Answer

Similar & different: Ganglion cysts are swellings that often appear on jonts or tendons of the hands or feet. The fluid in ganglion cysts are thicker than in synovial cysts, often have multiple chambers and a fibrous lining.  A synovial cyst is more likely to occur on an osteoarthritis joint, where there is leakage of fluid from the joint into the surrounding tissue.

Question 5

can a synovial cyst be caused from a car accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: A synovial cyst is a sac of fluid, which lines all tendons, muscles, ligaments, joints.  Any type of trauma or inflammation to part of the musculoskeletal system can cause such a sac to form; very commonly, no known cause. May resolve on own, or be injected w cortisone after aspiration, may recur. May be true that in days of yore, they were smashed with a bible, but don't recommend this approach-).

Question 6

what should i do about a large spinal synovial cyst?

Accepted Answer

: Depending on the size and location, with the potential degree of compression of the spinal cord, consult an orthopedic or neurosurgical physician for guidance.

Question 7

how quickly can a synovial cyst return after aspiration?

Accepted Answer

: Within a few days or 1-2 weeks unless the full cyst is  removed completely

Question 8

how serious is  taking out a synovial cyst that is close to the spine?

Accepted Answer

See spine surgeon: Synovial cysts are treated by mainly  3 methods. Observation along with activity modification for minimal complaints. Cyst injections; either directely thru the facet joint with drainage & steroid injection or by epidural steroid. The latter does not decrease the cyst size but eliminate inflammation. The 3rd is either a decompression with foraminotomy or with fusion if instability is present.

Question 9

i have had a synovial cyst sense i was 19 now i am 57 could it be caused from lifting heavy projectiles in the millitary?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Joints have a capsule arounding then that hold slippery clear goo that acts like oil on a hinge. If the capsule is too weak or the weight on the joint is too heavy, or you used the joint too much, it could bulge into a cyst.  However to blame it on a specific activity years ago is hard.

Question 10

i have a nerve root within the lateral recess. they've mentioned a focal cyst; would that be the same as a synovial cyst?

Accepted Answer

Potentially: First, it is normal to have a nerve root in the lateral recess, that is where they normally are.  A synovial cyst can be described as a focal cyst and usually arises from the facet joint.  If the cyst pushes in a nerve root, the patient may experience pain or numbness running down the leg.

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Synovial cyst elbow

A member asked:

What is a synovial cyst?

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What is a synovial cyst in your spine ?

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How does a ganglion cyst differ from a synovial cyst?

A member asked:

Is there a difference between a ganglion cyst and a synovial cyst?

A member asked:

Can a synovial cyst be caused from a car accident?

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What should i do about a large spinal synovial cyst?

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How quickly can a synovial cyst return after aspiration?

A member asked:

How serious is taking out a synovial cyst that is close to the spine?

A member asked:

I have had a synovial cyst sense i was 19 now i am 57 could it be caused from lifting heavy projectiles in the millitary?

A member asked:

I have a nerve root within the lateral recess. they've mentioned a focal cyst; would that be the same as a synovial cyst?

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