[Osteoid osteoma of the spine. The experience of the Rizzoli Institute]

Abstract

The authors report their experience at the Rizzoli Institute in treating osteoid osteomas localized to the spine (40 cases). This clinical study confirms that osteoid osteomas are tumors of adolescence, which are often diagnosed late due to their spinal localization. The role of additional investigations, dominated by bone scan and computed tomography is discussed. Their use should decrease the diagnosis delay. Mean follow-up in this series was 4 years, and confirmed that surgical excision had a favorable outcome. The outcome of associated scoliosis was also studied (8 cases). After tumor excision, there were 6 complete or partial corrections. Two cases remained unchanged. Curvature worsening after excision was not encountered.