Hypertrophic synovitis and osteoarthritis of the cervical facet joint. Report of two cases.

We report two cases of cervical facet joint osteoarthritis associated with radiculopathy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a halo of enhancing soft tissue surrounding the facet joints and narrowing the neural foramen. Hypertrophic synovial masses were discovered and removed at the time of operation in each case, resulting in relief of the radicular symptoms.