Meningeal Pseudocysts (Meningocele spurius) Following Laminectomy

A tear in the dura-arachnoid layer can cause the formation of a meningeal pseudocyst. Meningeal pseudocysts are usually associated with back pain and less frequently with sciatic pain, headache, and neck pain. Pain associated with meningeal pseudocysts is relieved by repair of the defect and obliteration of the pseudocyst. The formation of a meningeal pseudocyst as a complication of lumbar laminectomy can be prevented by careful closure of all tears in the dura-arachnoid.