Clinical and morphological characteristics of osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma: a retrospective single-center analysis of 204 patients

Imaging of Sacroiliac Pain: The Current State-of-the-Art

Pain in the sacroiliac (SI) region is a common clinical manifestation, often caused by diseases involving the SI joints. This is typically due to inflammation or degenerative changes, while infections or cancer are less frequent causes. The SI joint is challenging to image accurately because of its distinct anatomical characteristics. For an accurate diagnosis, conventional radiography often needs to be supplemented with more precise methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Sacroiliitis, a common presenting feature of axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), manifests as bone marrow edema, erosions, sclerosis, and joint space narrowing. Septic sacroiliitis and repetitive stress injuries in sports can also cause changes resembling inflammatory sacroiliitis. Other conditions, such as osteitis condensans ilii (OCI), can mimic the radiologic characteristics of sacroiliitis. Inflammatory lesions are diagnosed by concurrent erosions, hyperostosis, and ankylosis. Ligament ossifications or mechanical stress can also result in arthritic disorders. Determining the exact diagnosis can be aided by the distribution of the lesions. Inflammatory lesions can affect any part of the articulation, including the inferior and posterior portions. Mechanical lesions, such as those seen in OCI, often occur in the anterior middle region of the joint. In cases of idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ligament ossification is found at the joint borders. This pictorial essay describes common SI joint problems, illustrated with multimodal imaging data. We, also, discuss strategies for selecting the best imaging modalities, along with imaging pitfalls, key points, and approaches for treating patients with suspected inflammatory back pain.

Percutaneous Cryoablation under Conscious Sedation: A Safe, Effective and Painless Option for the Treatment of Pediatric Osteoid Osteoma

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation is an emerging technique for treating bone tumors. However, experience with using this procedure for osteoid osteomas in pediatric patients remains limited. Our study aims to assess its technical feasibility, clinical efficacy, and safety in children treated under conscious anesthesia.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive pediatric patients who underwent CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation for osteoid osteomas at our institution between September 2017 and March 2021. All patients received conscious anesthesia. Data on peri-procedural VAS scores, post-procedural VAS scores, imaging findings, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage rates were collected for each patient. Technical success was defined as proper cryoprobe placement at the nidus center, while clinical success referred to pain relief without NSAID use. Intra- and post-operative complications were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Nine patients underwent CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation for osteoid osteomas under conscious sedation, with a 100% overall success rate with low peri-procedural and median VAS scores (p < 0.01). No complications were observed during or after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation of pediatric osteoid osteomas is an effective and safe minimally invasive procedure feasible under conscious anesthesia, holding promise as a valuable treatment option.

Update of pediatric bone tumors: osteogenic tumors and osteoclastic giant cell-rich tumors

There are numerous bone tumors in the pediatric population, with imaging playing an essential role in diagnosis and management. Our understanding of certain bone tumors has rapidly evolved over the past decade with advancements in next-generation genetic sequencing techniques. This increased level of understanding has altered the nomenclature, management approach, and prognosis of certain lesions. We provide a detailed update of bone tumors that occur in the pediatric population with emphasis on the recently released nomenclature provided in the 5^th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours.

Multimodal Imaging Evaluation and Clinical Progress of Spinal Osteoblastoma: A Comprehensive Review

Spinal osteoblastoma is rare clinically, with insidious onset, atypical symptoms, and various imaging manifestations, which can easily lead to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. It can cause severe neurological dysfunction in patients with intermediate to advanced stages and may easily recur after surgery. Imaging examinations such as radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography have different value for the diagnosis of spinal osteoblastoma, but they lack specificity. The preferred treatment is surgical resection, which is technically difficult, and in some cases, osteoblastoma cannot be completely removed. New clinical approaches such as radiofrequency ablation, radiotherapy, targeted chemotherapy, and other comprehensive treatments have emerged and are progressing rapidly, but no unified norms have yet been developed. This manuscript provides a systematic review of the literature and provides an extensive and comprehensive review of this rare tumor in terms of multimodality imaging manifestations and clinical progress.

Osteoid Osteoma of the Basilar Border of the Mandible: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Introduction. Osteoid osteoma is a benign osseous tumor characterized by an excessive formation of unmineralized bone matrix. The aim of this study was to present, through a case report, the clinical and radiological manifestations of osteoid osteoma affecting the left basilar border of the mandible. Observation. A 30-year-old male patient presented with left mandibular pain of unknown etiology. The chief complaint was mandibular pain accentuating mainly at night, originating in the left basilar border, and radiating to the whole mandibular hemi-arch. Extraoral examination revealed a small, bone-consistent, and slightly painful swelling. Computed tomography scan revealed a well-limited, infracentimetric, and mixed osteolytic image with central nidus and peripheral osteocondensation. Histological examination revealed osteoid osteoma. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed, and the pain stopped immediately. Discussion. This benign tumor presents many clinical and radiological features similar to other lesions. To differentiate osteoid osteoma from these other bone pathoses, practitioners should have a clear concept and keen observation skills. Confrontation of the clinical, radiological, and anatomopathological data is therefore essential to establish the correct diagnosis and to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Premalignant Conditions of Bone

Development of malignancy is a multifactorial process, and there are multitude of conditions of bone that may predispose patients to malignancy. Etiologies of malignancy include benign osseous conditions, genetic predisposition, and extrinsic conditions. New-onset pain or growth in a previously stable lesion is that should concern for malignant change and should prompt a diagnostic workup for malignancy.

Benign bony tumors of the paranasal sinuses, orbit, and skull base

Benign bony tumors of the skull base and paranasal sinuses are uncommon entities, with an overall higher incidence in males. Benign bony tumors may lead to local expansion with resultant mass effect of potentially critical structures. Some benign bony tumors may undergo malignant transformation. This article reviews the presentation and management of benign bone tumors of the skull base and paranasal sinuses with special consideration to involvement of the adjacent orbit, intracranial and critical neurovascular structures. This review covers tumor incidence, location, gross and histologic appearance as well as radiographic findings, treatment, and recurrence rates. Tumors discussed in this article include osteochondromas, osteomas, osteoid osteomas, aneurysmal bone cysts, fibrous dysplasia, giant cell tumors, cemento-ossifying fibroma, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, ecchordosis physaliphora, chondromyxoid fibroma, primary chronic osteomyelitis, primary chronic osteomyelitis, osteochondromyxoma, and dense bone islands.

Osteoblastoma of the Distal Radius

Osteoblastomas are rare, benign, bone-forming neoplasms that represent less than 1% of all bone tumors and occur mostly in people aged 10 to 30 years. In long bones, the metadiaphyseal region tends to be most commonly affected. However, to the best of our knowledge, only 11 cases have been reported to occur in the distal radius. We present the clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of an osteoblastoma of the right distal radius in a 42-year-old woman for whom an open excisional biopsy with nidus removal comprised the treatment and produced a good outcome.

Osteoid Osteoma: Percutaneous CT-guided Cryoablation Is a Safe, Effective, and Durable Treatment Option in Adults

Background Cryoablation is playing an increasing role in the percutaneous treatment of bone tumors. However, despite its potential advantages over heat-based ablation techniques, the clinical safety and efficacy of cryoablation have not been established for osteoid osteoma treatment. Purpose To evaluate percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation for the treatment of osteoid osteoma in young patients and adults. Materials and Methods This retrospective study reviewed data from 50 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation for the treatment of osteoid osteoma between January 2013 and June 2019 in a single institution. In 30 of 50 patients (60%), the procedure was carried out with the patient under local anesthesia and conscious sedation, with the cryoprobe covering the lesion from an extraosseous position, avoiding direct penetration of the nidus. Clinical and radiologic features, procedure-related data, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, complications, and overall success rate were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed by using the nonparametric Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank test for repeated measures. Results Fifty patients (median age, 24 years; interquartile range [IQR], 19-38 years; 31 men) underwent CT-guided cryoablation for the treatment of osteoid osteoma, with a 96% (48 of 50 patients) overall clinical success rate. Of the two patients without clinical success, one patient had incomplete pain relief and the other experienced a recurrence of osteoid osteoma at 11 months, which was successfully treated with a second cryoablation procedure. The median VAS pain score was 8 (IQR, 7-8) before the procedure and 0 (IQR, 0-1; P < .001) after the procedure at both primary (6 weeks) and secondary (18-90 months) follow-up. Three of the 50 patients had minor complications (6%); no major complications were reported. Conclusion Osteoid osteoma was safely, effectively, and durably treated with CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation. In the majority of patients, treatment could be performed without general anesthesia, with the cryosphere covering the nidus from an extraosseous position. © RSNA, 2021.

Aggressive Osteoblastoma Involving the Navicular Bone of Foot: A Rare Tumor in a Unique Location

Aggressive osteoblastoma (AO) is a rare variant of osteoblastoma characterized histologically by epithelioid osteoblasts and clinically by local recurrences if not excised completely. Aggressive osteoblastoma has been described in various unusual sites; however, based on our search of the literature, involvement of the tarsal navicular has not been previously described. Herein, we report what we believe to be the first case of aggressive osteoblastoma involving the tarsal navicular in a 35-year-old woman. The tumor showed osteoid surrounded by epithelioid cells along with numerous osteoclastic giant cells. Absence of necrosis, mitosis, and infiltration into the surrounding native bone helped rule out the possibility of low-grade osteosarcoma.

Extraosseous osteoblastoma: A rare cause of breast mass in a prepubertal girl

Extraosseous osteoblastoma of the breast, a rare disease, was diagnosed in a prepubertal girl. After tumor excision, the patient recovered well and an optimal cosmetic result was achieved. Interdisciplinary discussions about the case are essential.

Osteoid osteoma in the ankle and foot. An overview of 50 years of experience

BACKGROUND

The literature published about osteoid osteoma (OO) in the ankle-foot consists mainly on case reports.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in which we analyzed demographic parameters, pain characteristics, treatment options and functional outcomes measured using the AOFAS and the SEFAS scales.

RESULTS

We treated 17 patients with OO around the ankle-foot. Eighty-eight percent of patients had night pain that was relieved with NSAIDs. The bones most often affected were the talus and calcaneus. OO was diagnosed 21 months after the onset of symptoms. Mean follow-up was 17.3 years. The surgical techniques most used were curettage and curettage and bone grafting. There was a significant increase in AOFAS and SEFAS scores after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Suspicion is the base of a prompt and a correct diagnosis of OO. The OO should be especially suspected in patients who present night pain that can be relieved with NSAIDs.

A rare case of osteoblastoma in the femoral head combined with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement: A case report

Osteoblastoma is a relatively rare benign bone-forming tumor accounting for less than 1% of all bone tumors. This report describes a patient with an osteoblastoma in the femoral head complicated by coexistence of femoroacetabular impingement. A 25-year-old male rugby football player complained of severe right hip pain after an injury during rugby practice. The pain became progressively worse despite resting from sports activity and rehabilitation for 4 months. The image inspection revealed bone tumor complicated by cam-type femoroacetabular impingement and a labral injury. Hip arthroscopic surgery was planned using a navigation system and a three-dimensional model for both complete debridement and cam resection. The tumor was resected by open surgery using a posterior approach. The bone tumor was diagnosed histopathologically as an osteoblastoma. The patient’s symptoms improved markedly after surgery, with no evidence of local tumor recurrence or hip arthritis 1 year later.

Percutaneous cryoablation of osteoblastoma in the proximal femur

A 37-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of left hip pain. Pretherapeutic imaging demonstrated a 4 cm osteoblastoma located in the intertrochanteric region of the proximal femur, surrounded by extensive bone marrow edema. After multidisciplinary meeting, percutaneous cryoablation was decided and performed under computed tomography guidance using three cryoprobes to match the exact size and shape of the tumor, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up demonstrated resolution of the bone marrow edema pattern and ingrowth of fat at the periphery of the ablation zone consistent with long-term healing of the tumor.

Osteoblastoma-Like Osteosarcoma of the Cuboid and Skull: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma is a rare form of osteosarcoma that shares similar clinical and pathological characteristics with osteoblastoma. We describe a 12-year-old boy with osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma of the cuboid and skull without lung involvement. Despite inadequate primary surgical treatment, the patient recovered well after wide excision and postoperative chemotherapy. We report the case for the rarity of the sites and the misleading clinical and pathological manifestation.

The one-in-all diagnostic value of 99mTc-MDP bone scan combining with single-photon emission tomography (SPECT)/CT imaging in spinal osteoblastoma

BACKGROUND

Osteoblastoma (OB) is an intermediate lesion, which makes the accurate preoperative diagnosis very important. ^99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (^99mTc-MDP) bone scan and SPECT/CT imaging were evaluated for their diagnostic value in spinal OB.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of patients with spinal OB lesions confirmed by pathology and diagnosed with bone scan and SPECT/CT for preoperative diagnosis from January 2008 to December 2018. The uptake levels of OB on planar bone scan were divided into low, medium, and high groups by visual assessment referring to the uptake of the normal rib, spine, and bladder. X-ray, CT, MRI, bone scan, and SPECT/CT imaging of the patients were analyzed for characteristics summary.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were diagnosed for spinal OB (17 males and 8 females with a proportion of 2.1:1), and the average age was 26.8 ± 10.8 years (range 5~59). There were 8 lesions located in the cervical, 6 in the thoracic, and 11 in the lumbar vertebrae. Twenty-four lesions involved posterior elements, especially the pedicles (14/25). Symptoms were predominantly painful with a duration of 18.3 ± 13.9 months (range 0.5~60 months). The lesion size ranged from 9 to 35 mm. All the lesions were low to high uptake in the planar bone scan, and the percentages of low to high levels were 1 (4%), 8 (32%), and 16 (64%) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal OB mainly involved the posterior area, and elderly patients should be considered as well. SPECT/CT combined the characteristics of bone uptake and anatomical features of bone tumors, proving its one-in-all diagnostic value for spinal OB and other osteogenic tumors.

Secondary aneurysmal bone cysts and associated primary lesions: imaging features of 49 cases

PURPOSE

To describe the imaging, anatomic, and clinical features of a series of secondary aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) and to ascertain their most commonly associated primary bone lesions.

METHODS

Forty-nine cases of histopathologically proven secondary ABCs were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data and clinical history were obtained. Radiographic, computed tomographic, magnetic resonance, and nuclear medicine imaging were analyzed. Lesion location, imaging characteristics, and associated primary lesions were documented. Linear regression analysis and Chi-squared testing was performed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four males and 25 females were included, with an age range of 8-79 years (mean 29.7 + - 4.5 years). Eleven types of primary bone lesion were identified, with giant-cell tumor (n = 17, 35%), chondroblastoma (n = 11, 22%), fibrous dysplasia (n = 6, 12%), osteoblastoma (n = 4, 8%) and osteosarcoma (n = 4, 8%) being the most frequent. The lesions involved chiefly the long bone epiphyses (n = 25, 51%). Secondary ABC imaging findings and locations most closely approximated those of their primary counterparts, although fluid-fluid levels were seen at a higher frequency than previously reported in primary chondroblastoma (9/11, 82%), fibrous dysplasia (2/6, 33%), osteoblastoma (4/4, 100%), osteosarcoma (3/4, 75%), and chondromyxoid fibroma (1/2, 50%).

CONCLUSION

The most common primary lesions associated with secondary ABC were giant cell tumor and chondroblastoma, located in the long bone epiphyses. The majority of the secondary ABCs demonstrate predominant imaging characteristics typical of the primary bone lesions, but with a higher presence of fluid-fluid levels.

Factors Affecting Prognosis of Patients With Osteoblastoma of the Mobile Spine: A Long-Term Follow-up Study of 70 Patients in a Single Center

BACKGROUND

Osteoblastoma (OBL) in the mobile spine is a benign tumor with aggressive potential. There is not much published information on OBL of the mobile spine as a result of rarity of the disease. There are controversies over the aggressive subtype and prognostic factors of the condition.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the aggressive subtype and investigate prognostic factors of OBLs in the mobile spine.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of spinal OBL was performed by survival analysis. Patients in 2 cohorts were analyzed based on the Enneking grade and pathological evaluation. Local recurrence-free survival (RFS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method to identify potential prognostic factors. Factors with P ≤ .05 were subjected to multivariate analysis by Cox regression analysis. P ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Included in this study were 70 patients with spinal OBL who were followed up by a mean of 67.1 mo (range 24-188). Local recurrence was detected in 9 cases after initial surgery, and death occurred in 2 cases. The result of statistical analysis suggested that Epithelioid OBL (EO) with Enneking stage 3 (St.3) and total spondylectomy were independent prognostic factors for RFS.

CONCLUSION

St.3 or EO lesions seem to be more aggressive than St.2 or conventional osteoblastomas, but St.3 and EO should be considered simultaneously in predicting the aggressiveness of the lesion and the risk of recurrence. Total spondylectomy performed either by en bloc or piecemeal could significantly reduce recurrence of OBLs in the mobile spine.

Osteoblastoma of the clavicle at the site of a previous fracture-first case report and review of the literature

Osteoblastoma is a rare, benign primary tumor of bone, accounting for < 1% of all bone tumors. We report the case of a 27-year-old female who developed pain and swelling five and a half years after a clavicular fracture and was subsequently found to have an osteoblastoma arising at the fracture site. This is the first reported case of an osteoblastoma developing after a fracture, although osteoid osteomas, which are histologically indistinguishable from osteoblastomas, have been reported at prior fracture sites. This report demonstrates that secondary neoplasms such as osteoblastomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pain at a healed fracture site recurring years after the initial trauma.

Intra-articular osteoid osteoma of tempromandibular joint: A case report

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Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone neoplasm, with significant nocturnal pain that responds to NSAIDs.

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A case of an intra-articular osteoid osteoma involving the articular eminence and glenoid fossa of TMJ in a 46-years-old female is reported.

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CT scan imaging is helpful in displaying the typical radiographic features and localization of the lesion.

Introduction

An osteoid osteoma is a benign bone neoplasm with limited growth potential, characterized by significant nocturnal pain that usually responds to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The tumor may occur in any part of the skeleton, most commonly in the lower extremities and vertebrae.

Presentation of case

A 46-year-old female was diagnosed with a rare case of an intra-articular variant of osteoid osteoma, involving the articular eminence and glenoid fossa of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ).

Discussion

The tumor presented as a painful progressive swelling in the right pre-auricular area that had lasted for more than 2 years and which had been previously treated as a TMJ disorder. Computed tomography revealed a well-defined heterogeneous nidus involving the articular eminence of the TMJ. Surgical excision was performed and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. In this article, in addition to describing the case, all cases of osteoid osteoma of the jaws and TMJ reported in the English-language literature are reviewed.

Conclusion

Osteoid osteoma involving the TMJ is a rare presentation and may exhibit ambiguous symptoms, which could lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Osteoblastomatosis: an unusual diagnosis and treatment

Osteoblastomatosis (OBLT), also referred to as multifocal osteoblastoma (OB), is an unusual and recently described entity consisting of multifocal tumors histologically consistent with osteoblastoma and osteoid osteoma (OO) but radiologically mimicking a vascular bone lesion. OBLT treatment is based on aggressive procedures, such as amputation, en bloc resection, and chemotherapy. Only one previously reported case was successfully treated following a multimodal approach consisting of curettage, cryotherapy, intravenous bisphosphonates, and radiofrequency ablation. We present a case of OBLT that may have been cured by CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation.

Case of Spinal Osteoblastoma in Elderly: Is It Really a Young Patient's Disease?

BACKGROUND

Osteoblastoma is a benign bone-forming tumor, sometimes locally invasive, that may involve any bone. The highest incidence is between 20 and 30 years of age, and there are no cases described in the elderly.

METHODS

We report a case of an elderly patient with a lesion in the lumbar spine in which osteoblastoma diagnosis was made.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoblastoma is a rare tumor older than 50 years of age, but it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bone lesions of the spine in adulthood and in the elderly, to avoid a delay in the treatment.

A rare case of osteoblastoma combined with severe scoliosis deformity, coronal and sagittal imbalance

BACKGROUND

Osteoblastoma is a rare and benign tumor which requires early diagnosis and surgical excision. Scoliosis is a common presentation following osteoblastoma. It is considered due to pain-provoked muscle spasm on the side of the lesion. Few researches about osteoblastoma combined with severe scoliosis have been reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 14-year-old girl presents with progressive scoliosis deformity for 3 years, with gradually appeared low back pain and numbness of left leg. Radiographic results showed osteoblastic mass at the left side of L3-L4 with severe scoliosis deformity, pelvic obliquity and spinal imbalance. The patient underwent posterior tumor excision, spinal decompression, scoliosis correction, spinal fusion with auto-graft and instrumentation from T8-S1. The mass was found to be osteoblastoma. The patient had a full neurological recovery with no aggravate of scoliosis or spinal imbalance during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and surgical treatment of osteoblastoma. Early surgical excision will not only prevent neurological deficit but also the progression of scoliosis. Atypical scoliosis presence without pain requires carefully examination of whether a tumor exists.

[The intraarticular osteoid osteoma : A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge]

Intra- and, respectively, periarticular osteoid osteoma are accompanied by sympathical arthritis which itself can irreversibly destroy the cartilage of the joint. In contrast to other locations, intra- and periarticular osteoid osteoma are rare. Reactive and symptomatic accompanying arthritis may lead to irreversible cartilage destruction especially in chronic courses. Therefore early diagnosis and therapy is crucial. We present a case report and discuss these rare tumors by reviewing the literature.

CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoblastoma: treatment and long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Osteoblastoma (OB) is a painful, rare, benign bone tumour usually observed in young populations, and this condition involves the spine in up to one-third of cases. We sought to focus on the minimally invasive treatment of spinal OB with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under computed tomography (CT) guidance. When performed near the spinal cord, surgery can lead to instability of the spine, sometimes requiring additional interventions to stabilise the segments involved, and can cause the precocious onset of arthrosis or other degenerative diseases. The results were evaluated both clinically and with the aid of diagnostic imaging techniques during a 5-year follow-up study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eleven patients affected by spinal OB were treated in a single session with biopsy and CT-guided RFA. Pre- and post-evaluations of the patients were performed both clinically and with CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Complete success in terms of pain relief was achieved in all patients. Additional treatments were not required in any patients. There were no complications. During follow-up, neither complications nor pathological findings related to the treatment were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience demonstrates that RFA for spinal OB is safe and effective. One of the main advantages of this technique is represented by its lower grade of invasiveness compared with that for potentially hazardous surgical manoeuvres.

Spinal tumors in children

Summary Introduction: Spinal tumors are rare in the pediatric population, presenting many specific peculiarities when compared to adults. We have performed a broad narrative review to describe the most common spinal tumors in children, discussing their main characteristics and management options. Method: The authors have performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives. Results: Multimodality radiological studies (plain films, 3D computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging) are necessary for proper evaluation and differential diagnosis of spinal tumors in children. In selected cases nuclear medicine imaging is used to improve the chances of a more accurate diagnosis. As a general rule, a fine needle biopsy is recommended after radiological evaluation to confirm the tumor's histology. Primary bone tumors can be divided into benign bone tumors, mostly represented by vertebral hemangiomas, osteoid osteomas, osteoblastomas, aneurismal bone cysts, and eosinophilic granulomas, and malign or aggressive tumors, such as Ewing's or osteogenic sarcomas. Secondary bone tumors (spinal metastases) comprise different tumor histologies, and treatment is mainly based on tumor's radiosensitivity. The characteristics and treatment options of the main spinal tumors are discussed in details. Conclusion: Spinal tumors in children are rare lesions that demand a thorough understanding of their main characteristics for their proper management. Understanding the nuances of spinal tumors in children is of paramount importance for improving outcomes and chances of cure.