Where are synovial cysts most commonly located?

Where are synovial cysts most commonly located?

• A. Cervical spine
• B. Thoracic spine
• C. Lumbar region
• D. Sacral region

Answer: (C)

Synovial cysts form from degenerative changes in the facet joints, and the lumbar spine bears the most load and motion, so these cysts most commonly appear there, especially at the L4–L5 level. They sit near the facet joints and can extend into the spinal canal or foramina, compressing nerve roots and causing radicular pain or neurogenic claudication. Although they can occur elsewhere, the cervical and thoracic regions are less commonly affected, and sacral involvement is rare because facet joint degeneration is less prominent in that area.

Synovial cysts form from degenerative changes in the facet joints, and the lumbar spine bears the most load and motion, so these cysts most commonly appear there, especially at the L4–L5 level. They sit near the facet joints and can extend into the spinal canal or foramina, compressing nerve roots and causing radicular pain or neurogenic claudication. Although they can occur elsewhere, the cervical and thoracic regions are less commonly affected, and sacral involvement is rare because facet joint degeneration is less prominent in that area.