Abstract

Aneurysmal bone cysts are often localized in long bones of the lower extremity and are characterized by aggressive expansion with local destruction of bone. We present the case of a 14-year-old female patient with a two weeks history of low dorsal pain. Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the spine showed local destruction of the 10th thoracic vertebra and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 50 percent compression of the spinal cord. The partly septated and partly solid cystic tumour in the 10th thoracic vertebra was resected and a dorsal spondylodesis stabilised the thoracic spine. Aneurysmal bone cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unspecific pain of the spine. Follow-up examinations after three, five and twelve months did not show signs of recurrence.