Unilateral facet cyst at the atlantoaxial joint leading to cervical myelopathy: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Spinal synovial cysts are rare in the cervical spine where they may cause myeloradiculopathy. Contrast MR studies help differentiate these from other lesions. The optimal treatment is often surgical removal. Case Description: A 47-year-old male presented with axial neck pain, numbness, and left-hand paresthesia. When the MR study showed dorsolateral cord compression due to a left-sided C1–C2 facet cyst, he underwent a unilateral decompression/fusion. Adequate cyst removal/excision was documented on a postoperative MR performed 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: A 47-year-old male presented with myelopathy attributed to an MR-documented dorsolateral C1/ C2 facet cyst. Following excision/decompression of the cyst and posterior fusion, the patient’s symptoms/signs resolved.