Objective To explore the clinical features and surgical treatment of cervical,thoracic and lumbar spinal extradural arachnoid cysts.Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with cervical,thoracic and lumbarspinal extradural arachnoid cysts in our department from Jan 2011 to Nov 2013 were analyzed respectively.Of 15 patients,1 case occurred in cervical segment,12 in thoracolumbar segment,and 2 in lumbar segment.The symptom was given priority to the pain of lumbosacral region,followed by intermittent claudication and sensory dysfunction.Results 15 patients were treated by microsurgical operation to remove the cysts,explore and close the access hole between the cyst and dural sac.In early postoperative period,the symptoms were relieved significantly.15 patients were followed-up from 1 to 32 months (mean duration:19 months) and there was no cyst recurrence.The symptoms of 11 patients were disappeared,and 4 with relief of symptoms and without influence on their daily life.Conclusions Microsurgery was recommended for the patients with spinal extradural arachnoid cysts who suffered from significant symptoms,which included the cyst resection,access hole closure and lamina replacement.Excellent or good clinical effect could be achieved.