Synovial cysts are associated with degenerative changes of intervertebral joints. Most frequently they are found in the lower lumbar portion of the spine and are usually manifested by radicular symptoms. The authors demonstrate on a group of eight symptomatic patients the MR image of synovial cysts and draw attention to the contribution of this method in their diagnosis and thus also the accurate assessment of the cause of radicular compression.

        Key words: MR imaging - spinal canal - intervertebral joints - synovial cysts - radicular syndrome