• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.543-549
• /
• 2000

Objective : In contrary to ganglion cyst that commonly develops in connective tissue of peripheral joint or tendon, spinal ganglion cysts have been rarely reported. The authors report five cases of spinal ganglion cysts which originated from posterior longitudinal ligament of the lumbar spine. Methods : The authors retrospectively analyzed clinical, radiological, and surgical findings of five cases of spinal ganglion cysts and speculated the pathogenesis of spinal ganglion cyst. Result : Cysts were excised totally and symptoms improved without complications in all cases. Intraoperative findings revealed cysts that were tightly adherent to posterior longitudinal ligament. Conclusion : Five cases of ganglion cyst which caused similar symptoms and signs those of lumbar disc herniations were excised successfully. MRI and operative findings suggested spinal ganglion cyst of posterior longitudinal ligament were closely associated with disc degeneration which imply disc degeneration or herniation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ganglion cyst.