J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2013; 74(S 01): e66-e69
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1325635
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endoscope-Assisted Excision of a Juxtafacet Cyst in an Adolescent Athlete: A Case Report

Justin Hopkins
4   University of California, Irvine, California, United States
,
Toshinori Sakai
1   Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
2   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
,
Koichi Sairyo
1   Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
3   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Teikyo, Mizonokuchi Hospital, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Japan
,
Jason Mefford
4   University of California, Irvine, California, United States
,
Nitin N. Bhatia
2   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
,
Ichiro Tonogai
1   Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
,
Akira Dezawa
3   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Teikyo, Mizonokuchi Hospital, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Japan
,
Natsuo Yasui
1   Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

14 July 2011

27 March 2012

Publication Date:
17 October 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Background Juxtafacet cysts (JFCs) are a cause of back and radicular pain that can be treated conservatively and operatively. Such strategies include lumbosacral brace, epidural injection, open surgery, and minimally invasive surgery; although surgical treatment is usually reserved for unsuccessful conservative treatment. The role of minimally invasive surgery in athletic youth with JFCs has yet to be determined.

Patients/Material and Methods The patient is a 16-year-old basketball player with a JFC. We performed endoscope-assisted cystectomy.

Results Endoscope-assisted JFC excision immediately and completely resolved the patient's lower back and leg pain with no recurrence of symptoms 4 years after surgery.

Conclusion We suggest that JFCs of the lumbar spine be a part of the differential diagnosis in young patients with back and radicular pain. Furthermore, we recommend that endoscope-assisted surgery be employed in the treatment of JFCs in young athletes.