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.
Adolescent Basketball