Aneurysmal bone cyst of the vertebra with paraplegia

Aneurysmal bone cyst, a benign lesion, is difficult to diagnose radiologically, particularly in the spine, but has a characteristic microscopic appearance. Treatment of spinal lesions consists of curettage, with or without bone grafting, together with irradiation at low doses (1000 to 2000 rads). The author reports a case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the neural arch associated with neurologic complication, which illustrates some typical features of such cysts of the spine. The condition should always be considered in patients with lytic lesions of the spine, and prompt surgical intervention is recommended.