The author summarizes our knowledge of this rare cause of chronic lumbar root pain, based on a thorough research of the recent literature in MEDLINE. He gives the clinical picture, the CT, MRI and PMG findings as well as functional x-ray studies, and all the relevant therapeutic modalities. He advocates decompressive surgery on the basis of his long but limited experiences as a safe treatment giving permanent results (removal of the cyst with partial decompressive hemilaminectomy). Surgical stabilization is justified only in cases of residual complaints caused clearly by segmental instability.

        Key words: juxtafacet cysts, chronic radicular pain, decompressive and/or stabilization surgery