Recurrent osteoblastoma: a review

A review of 3 new osteoblastomas and 181 previously reported osteoblastomas revealed 18 recurrences (9.8% recurrence rate). Recurrence was more common in the spine and pelvis. Recurrences were reported as late as 9 years after excision of osteoblastomas and long-term follow-up is indicated in this lesion. Five recurrences were reported to undergo apparent sarcomatous change. Complete en bloc resection is the preferred treatment of osteoblastomas. No recurrence has ever been reported after complete resection, however, apparent incomplete excision has given cures in many cases. Radiotherapy does not appear to prevent recurrence. Its immediate postoperative use is not recommended and may possibly be associated with apparent late sarcomatous change in some cases. Since the efficacy of radiotherapy in the treatment of established recurrence still remains obscure, further surgical intervention is indicated.