Aneurysmal bone cyst of the spine in an adolescent: a case report

Aneurysmal bone cysts are often localized in long bones of the lower extremity and are characterized by aggressive expansion with local destruction of bone. We present the case of a 14-year-old female patient with a two weeks history of low dorsal pain. Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the spine showed local destruction of the 10th thoracic vertebra and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 50 percent compression of the spinal cord. The partly septated and partly solid cystic tumour in the 10th thoracic vertebra was resected and a dorsal spondylodesis stabilised the thoracic spine. Aneurysmal bone cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unspecific pain of the spine. Follow-up examinations after three, five and twelve months did not show signs of recurrence.