Osteoblastoma of the lumbar spine in an adolescent: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoblastomas are primary bone tumors representing 1% of all bone tumors and 10% of all spinal osseous neoplasms with a predilection for posterior elements. Case Report: A 13-year-old boy with insidious backache for six months presented with progressive radiating paraesthesia and claudication, restricted lumbar motion and positive straight leg test bilaterally with weakness of left ankle dorsiflexion. Radiograph showed an subtle expansile lytic lesion in the L3 posterior elements. CT and MRI revealed a space-occupying lesion of the L3 vertebra lamina, involving the left pedicle causing severe spinal canal stenosis. Excision of the posterior elements of the L3 vertebra including the facet and left pedicle and short segment fixation from L2-L4 using autogenous rib was done. At two years postoperatively, he was asymptomatic, neurologically normal, showing radiographic evidence of union with no recurrence. Conclusions: Autogenous structural rib can be used for posterolateral fusion after osteoblastoma excision with potential instability.