Osteoid-osteoma of the spine with localization aided by 99 mTc-polyphosphate bone scan. Case report

This is a case report of a 13-year-old boy with an osteoid-osteoma located in the pedicle of the third lumbar vertebra. The lesion could not be visualized on routine roentgenograms but with the use of technetium polyphosphate bone scan as a guide a suggestive bone lesion was found with tomograms. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid-osteoma. This case illustrates the value of skeletal scanning in occult bone lesions.