Osteoblastoma of the first thoracic spine treated with corpectomy and fusion: A rare case report

Introduction and importance: Thoracic spine involvement of the osteoblastoma is a rare occurrence. A multidisciplinary approach will provide a good outcome.

Case presentation: We present a 16-year-old patient with a first thoracic spine managed surgically.

Clinical discussion: A 16-year-old schoolboy presented with a history of dull aching type neck pain which progressively worsens over the last four months without any neurological weakness. Radiographic studies of the spine show an expansile well-corticated lesion with central radiolucent nidus with bony sclerosis in the first thoracic spine which is suggestive of osteoblastoma. A corpectomy with a tricortical iliac graft fusion and anterior instrument stabilization was achieved by a multidisciplinary team. The patient is pain-free and a full range of neck movement is achieved.

Conclusion: Osteoblastoma of the spine can be treated surgically with a low risk of recurrence successfully. Torrential bleeding during the surgery is a devasting complication. Preoperative radiological embolization and Intraoperative navigations are the available options to overcome it. A combined multidisciplinary team approach will provide a good outcome.