An unusual occurrence of chondromyxoid fibroma with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst in the cervical spine.
BACKGROUND
Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are rare bone tumors and even rarer in the spine. To date, no report has been made of CMF with secondary ABC in the cervical spine.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a case of CMF with secondary ABC of C6, a rare occurrence in an uncommon location.


METHODS
The study design is a case report.


METHODS
A 27-year-old woman presented with numbness with paresthesias of the right upper extremity. Diagnostic imaging revealed diffuse enlargement of the right C6 lamina extending into the pedicle and medial facet joint. Surgical treatment consisted of complete C6 laminectomy, total resection of the extradural cervical mass, posterior lateral fusion at C5-C7, and posterior segmental instrumentation from C5 to C7. Histopathology was consistent with CMF with secondary ABC.


RESULTS
Laminectomy and instrumented segmental fusion provided an excellent clinical outcome. The instrumented fusion maintained the sagittal balance of the spine and stabilized across a complete facetectomy. The excision will likely avoid recurrence of the lesion.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of CMF and ABC is challenging in the spine because of the proximity to neural structures. Aggressive surgical treatment makes recurrence less likely but creates the risk of spinal instability. Adequate surgical treatment needs to provide spinal stability.
Subach
Brian R
BR
The Virginia Spine Institute, Spinal Research Foundation, 1831 Wiehle Ave., Reston, VA 20190, USA.
Copay
Anne G
AG
Martin
Marcus M
MM
Schuler
Thomas C
TC
Romero-Gutierrez
Maritza
M
D000328:Adult; D017824:Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002812:Chondroma / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome