Christoph Scholz1, Ulrich Hubbe2, Evangelos Kogias2, Roland Roelz2, Jan-Helge Klingler2. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: christoph.scholz@uniklinik-freiburg.de. 2. Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECT: We report on our experience with treating juxtafacet cysts focusing on clinical outcome, rate of recurrence and secondary surgery, especially fusion. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluates patients who underwent surgical resection of juxtafacet cysts without concomitant fusion from 2002 to 2013 with a minimum follow-up of one year. RESULTS: Complete follow-up is available in 74 patients. Mean follow-up in all 74 patients was 69±34months (range, 14-140 months). Mean ODI was 14.9%. 68 patients (91.9%) were pleased with the results and would undergo surgery again. Three patients (4.1%) underwent secondary resection because of cyst recurrence at the same site. Four patients (5.4%) needed secondary fusion. CONCLUSIONS: In patients without evident clinical and radiological criteria of instability we regard surgical resection of juxtafacet cysts without concomitant fusion as adequate primary treatment due to good outcome and low incidence of secondary symptomatic instability.
OBJECT: We report on our experience with treating juxtafacet cysts focusing on clinical outcome, rate of recurrence and secondary surgery, especially fusion. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluates patients who underwent surgical resection of juxtafacet cysts without concomitant fusion from 2002 to 2013 with a minimum follow-up of one year. RESULTS: Complete follow-up is available in 74 patients. Mean follow-up in all 74 patients was 69±34months (range, 14-140 months). Mean ODI was 14.9%. 68 patients (91.9%) were pleased with the results and would undergo surgery again. Three patients (4.1%) underwent secondary resection because of cyst recurrence at the same site. Four patients (5.4%) needed secondary fusion. CONCLUSIONS: In patients without evident clinical and radiological criteria of instability we regard surgical resection of juxtafacet cysts without concomitant fusion as adequate primary treatment due to good outcome and low incidence of secondary symptomatic instability.