Spinal osteoblastoma resection with radioguided surgery

Abstract

Osteoblastoma is an uncommon primary neoplasm of the bone, with histological manifestations similar to an osteoid osteoma. Approximately 40% of these tumors are located in the spine, usually involving the posterior structures. This location may be associated with scoliosis and neurologic manifestations. Diagnostic imaging includes simple x-ray, CT scan, MRI and radionuclide studies. Bone scintigraphy demonstrates increased radiotracer accumulation. The standard treatment consists of open intralesional resection. Nevertheless, localization of nidus may be difficult and bone resection may be limited due to the proximity of the neural structures. We present the case of a patient with a spinal osteoblastoma in whom the use of radioguided surgery was performed with a gamma probe and mini gamma camera. This technique made it possible to accurately locate the tumor and perform effective removal of the nidus.