Unicameral bone cyst in the spinous process of a thoracic vertebra

Unicameral bone cysts affecting the spine are extremely rare and tend to be misdiagnosed. We report on a 17-year-old female patient who presented with a 2-year history of persistent low back pain. The radiographic evaluation and bone scan failed to reveal a pathologic process. Magnetic resonance of the painful area and subsequent computed tomography scan showed a well-circumscribed osteolytic lesion originating from the spinous process and extending into both laminae of T9 vertebra. Aneurysmal bone cyst or osteoblastoma was considered to be the most probable diagnosis. The patient underwent excisional biopsy of the tumor. The intraoperative findings were suggestive of solitary bone cyst, a diagnosis that was confirmed histologically. Because the tumor had not invaded the articular facets, no posterolateral spine fusion was required. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative clinical course. Her symptoms resolved and she returned to her previous level of physical activities. Unicameral bone cysts, although uncommon, should be included in the differential diagnosis of an osteolytic lesion involving the spine.