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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Osteoblastomas of the cervical spine
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Journal of Spinal Disorders
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Osteoblastomas in the cervical spine often involve the anterior vertebral body, contrary to prior beliefs. Posterior surgical removal offers successful long-term outcomes for these unique spinal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Osteoblastomas are benign bone tumors that can occur in the spine.
- Cervical spine osteoblastomas are rare and their typical presentation is debated.
- Classical teaching suggests posterior element involvement, but anterior vertebral body involvement is frequently observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cervical spine osteoblastomas and assess their unique characteristics.
- To determine the anatomic extent, surgical margins, and recurrence rates.
- To compare cervical spine osteoblastomas to other spinal osteoblastomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of osteoblastomas at a single institution over 20 years.
- Identification of patients with cervical spine osteoblastomas.
- Assessment of neoplastic involvement, surgical margins, stabilization methods, and recurrence.
- Mean follow-up of 11.4 years.
Main Results:
- Four cervical spine osteoblastomas identified among 13 spinal osteoblastomas.
- Osteoblastomas of the cervical spine frequently involve the anterior vertebral body.
- Posterior surgical extirpation with intralesional margins achieved good long-term results.
- Local recurrence rate was assessed.
Conclusions:
- Cervical spine osteoblastomas present uniquely compared to other spinal osteoblastomas.
- Anterior vertebral body involvement is common in cervical osteoblastomas.
- Posterior surgical resection is an effective treatment for cervical spine osteoblastomas.
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