Recurrent burner syndrome due to presumed cervical spine osteoblastoma in a collision sport athlete – a case report

Maurice Goins,Ilan Elias,Michael Pahl,Alexander Vaccaro,Adam Zoga

doi:10.1186/1749-7221-2-13

Abstract

We present a case of a 35-year-old active rugby player presenting with a history of recurrent burner syndrome thought secondary to an osteoblastoma involving the posterior arch of the atlas. Radiographically, the lesion had features typical for a large osteoid osteoma or osteoblastoma, including osseous expansion, peripheral sclerosis and bony hypertrophy, internal lucency, and even suggestion of a central nidus. The patient subsequently underwent an en bloc resection of the posterior atlas via a standard posterior approach. The surgery revealed very good clinical results.In this report, we will discuss in detail, the presentation, treatment, and return to play recommendations involving this patient.

Highlights

Athletes frequently develop cervical radicular symptoms as a result of a blunt injury to the head or neck, when participating in contact or collision sports such as american football, soccer, rugby, wrestling and others
Any athletic endeavor leading to a collision may cause abrupt cervical axial compression, flexion, or extension producing a neurapraxia of the exiting nerve roots or brachial plexus due to traction or direct compression
Multiple underlying morphological factors exist which have been associated with the incidence of cervical spinal injuries in athletics including congenital or developmental spinal stenoses, congenital fusions, or intervertebral disk herniations or degeneration [3,4]

Summary

Background

Athletes frequently develop cervical radicular symptoms as a result of a blunt injury to the head or neck, when participating in contact or collision sports such as american football, soccer, rugby, wrestling and others. Any athletic endeavor leading to a collision may cause abrupt cervical axial compression, flexion, or extension producing a neurapraxia of the exiting nerve roots or brachial plexus due to traction or direct compression In this scenerio, athletes sometimes experience a burning pain, which radiates distal from the posterior neck region to the fingertips. FaFniigge1uxrApeaxn2iaslile(alrersoiownhe(aardrso)wan) dofFtighe psoagsittetrailoCr Tardcehmoof nCs1trate Fig 1 Axial (arrowheads) and Fig 2 sagittal CT demonstrate an expansile lesion (arrow) of the posterior arch of C1 It is contained within the cortex with no soft tissue extension. Given the lack of an intact posterior arch of C1, he was advised to

Discussion & conclusion

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