Osteoid Osteomas and Osteoblastomas of the Spine

Benign osteoblastic lesions are rare bone tumors and they are usually divided into osteoid osteomas and benign osteoblastomas based on their biological behavior. Both lesions are prevalent in the spine, with the lamina and pedicle being involved frequently. Long diagnostic delays are frequent. Pain, the most prominent symptom, is often nocturnal and is relieved by aspirin in 30 to 40% of patients. Radicular pain occurs in 50% of the patients. The most common physical finding is tenderness in the vicinity of the lesion. Neurological abnormalities are more frequent in patients with osteoblastomas, which frequently extend into the neural canal. Tomograms are invaluable in most patients in whom plain films are normal. The bone scan is one of the most important diagnostic studies and provides an excellent means of accurately demonstrates the location and extent of the tumor. Permanent relief of pain and neurological recovery is dependent primarily on total removal of the lesion.