Spine Series; Surgery, Lumbar Synovial Cysts; Dr. Nancy Epstein; Part 2

SUMMARY: Dr. Epstein discusses the choice of the proper surgical approach to the lumbar spine and for synovial cyst removal. Given the complicated pathology seen in Part 1 of this series, Open surgery appears to be the procedure choice for the lowest risk removal of these lesions under a wide anatomical vision.  Laminotomy,  hemilamincetomy, laminectomy are the procedures of choice depending upon the extent of the pathology and dural and root involvement. The value in using magnification for spinal surgery is stated. The limitations of minimally invasive approaches are presented. How to remove the lesion with wide exposure, preservation of a facet, proper portions of facet removal, need for fusion or not,  how to do a bony fusion, need for instrumented fusion, management of dural tears, proper dural closures, suture selection, dural staples, use of muscle or fibrin sealants  to prevent CSF leak, proper avoidance and treatment of CSF leak, avoiding root damage, and the disadvantage of  epidural steroids, which are all issues for spine surgeons,  are discussed. Proper hemostasis is essential. First rate discussion of and practical advice for spine surgeons and the surgical treatment of Synovial cysts. ( 40 min)  (JIA)

Speaker
  • James I. Ausman, MD, MA, PhD

    CEO SNI and SNI Digital; Emeritus Professor Neurosurgery

  • Nancy Epstein, MD

    Chief, Neurosurgical Spine and Education, Winthrop Univesrity Hospital Mineola , New York, USA