Tarlov cysts can be detected, treated and managed by orthopaedic specialists across the Province. It may often be managed in conjunction with neurosurgical input—although this is not exclusively the case.
(2) how many patients from Northern Ireland have been referred for surgery for a Tarlov cyst to England in each of the last 10 years.
(3) what estimate he has made of the number of patients in the Province diagnosed with a Tarlov cyst.
The information requested is not available.
Decisions on referral are made on the basis of the individual case. Most cases of Tarlov cysts can be managed in Northern Ireland. Where a very specialised procedure is required then the patient will be referred to an appropriate UK facility.