An Uncommon Cause of Cervical Pain in a Child: Osteoblastoma of the Cervical Spine

TL;DR

A 12-year-old boy with cervical spine pain was diagnosed with a rare bone tumor called osteoblastoma, highlighting the need for thorough evaluations in children with back pain.

Contribution

This case report highlights the rarity and diagnostic challenges of osteoblastoma in pediatric patients.

Findings

Osteoblastoma was diagnosed in a 12-year-old male with cervical spine pain.

Initial radiographs were inconclusive, but CT and MRI revealed a C5 pedicle mass.

Pathology confirmed a benign osteoblastic lesion without malignant features.

Abstract

Osteoblastoma in children is a rare diagnosis of primary bone tumors. This case report describes a C5 osteoblastoma in a 12-year-old male patient with upper back and neck pain. While initial radiographs were unrevealing, CT and MRI showed an impinging left C5 pedicle mass, with neural foramina narrowing. Pathology reports confirmed an osteoblastic lesion without malignant characteristics. Infrequent occurrence of osteoblastoma and potentially inconclusive radiographs may lead to diagnostic delays. Thorough evaluation of back pain in pediatric patients is critical in promptly detecting osteoblastoma and other neoplasms.

Figures