Surgical management of aneurysmal bone cysts of the spine.
OBJECTIVE
Aneurysmal bone cysts of the spine are benign, highly vascular osseous lesions of unknown origin that may present difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. They are expansile lesions containing thin-walled, blood-filled cystic cavities that cause bone destruction and sometimes spinal deformity and neurological compromise. The treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts of the spine remains controversial according to the literature. In this review, the authors discuss the clinical manifestations, pathophysiological features, neuroimaging characteristics, and treatment strategies for these lesions.


METHODS
Treatment options include simple curettage with bone grafting, complete excision, embolization, and radiation therapy. Reconstruction and stabilization of the spine may be warranted if deformity and instability are present. Special factors need to be considered in the management of these lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Complete excision of aneurysmal bone cysts offers the best chance of cure and spinal decompression if neurological deficits are present.
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.
James K
JK
Liu
Douglas L
DL
Brockmeyer
Andrew T
AT
Dailey
Meic H
MH
Schmidt
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017824:Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003475:Curettage; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy