Tumoral calcinosis of the lumbar and cervical spine

Tumoral calcinosis has been defined as a pathological condition which presents as calcified masses around juxta-articular structures. The etiology of this pathology is still not well understood but degenerative spine diseases seem to play a role. The diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis preoperatively can prevent intraoperative confusion from unexpected findings, especially in cases where removal of the calcified mass is essential to treating the patient's symptoms, i.e. nerve compression causing radiculopathy.

We present two cases of patients who presented with spinal radiculopathy and mechanical pain. Both patients were found to have a calcified facet joint mass and underwent surgical resection of the mass combined with spinal fusion resulting in excellent symptom relief post-surgery.

For accurate diagnosis and management of tumoral calcinosis, a high index of suspicion together with neuro imaging remains a good place to start. Intra-operative visualization of the pathology as well as permanent pathology reports is a good adjunct to confirming the diagnosis.