[Synovial cysts and synovialomas of the lumbar spine. Histo-pathologic and neuro-surgical aspects apropos of 8 cases].

Based on 8 personal cases and a 81-cases review of literature, it's authors' opinion that cystic or solid masses issued form posterior lumbar articular process and called according to the cases synovial cyst, ganglion cyst, benign synovialoma, pigmented villonodular synovitis, are a single variety of benign degeneration of soft articular tissues. The cystic or solid feature of these masses depends upon the extent of their histiocytic granulomatous proliferation. They may be asymptomatic, accompany chronic lumbar pain or cause sciatica, seldom cauda equina syndrome.

[Subperiosteal chondroma. Diagnostic contribution of x-ray computed tomography. Apropos of 2 cases].

Results of CT scan exploration are reported in two cases of subperiosteal chondroma, one in a 4 year old child affecting the anterior tibial tuberosity the other in a 9 year old child involving the upper end of humerus. Data from CT scan imaging were undoubtedly superior to those of conventional radiography and appear to be characteristic of this benign cartilaginous tumor, greatly facilitating correlation between clinical, radiological and pathologic findings. The scanner should allow certain situations to be dedramatized and the surgical attitude adapted when the functional prognosis is involved.

[Dorsal spinal cord compression caused by vertebral subperiosteal chondroma. Apropos of 2 cases].

The authors report 2 cases of vertebral subperiosteal chondroma causing thoracic spinal cord compression. Total excision of this benign cartilaginous neoplasm is usually sufficient treatment.

[Diagnosis of ivory vertebra. Bibliographic study, report of 2 cases of pagetic ivory vertebra].

Two cases are reported of ivory vertebra, an isolated lesion difficult to diagnose clinically or radiologically. Tomographic and if necessary computed tomographic analysis should provide a precise diagnosis of a Paget's disease origin, biopsy being reserved for cases for which a doubt exists.