Treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts of the pelvis and sacrum

Management of aggressive recurrent thoracic spine aneurysmal bone cyst in a 7-year-old male: A case report and review of the literature

Background

Spinal aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are rare, histologically benign tumors with aggressive behavior, which may cause bone and soft-tissue destruction, particularly affecting neural elements. Management of these tumors, including treatment modalities and follow-up protocols, remains challenging.

Case Description

A 7-year-old boy presented with chest wall pain persisting for two months before admission, accompanied by progressive mono paresis lasting ten days before admission. Myelopathy signs were evident during the examination. Imaging confirmed a multicystic lesion at the T6 level involving the posterior elements of the vertebra, with significant cord compression. Due to deteriorating neurological function, he underwent urgent laminectomy and neural decompression, followed by subtotal tumor resection. Postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an ABC, and the patient experienced significant neurological recovery. However, after 21 days, the patient was readmitted to the emergency department with severe paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed rapid growth of the residual tumor, leading to cord compression. He underwent aggressive total tumor resection, T6 vertebral body corpectomy, and fixation with pedicle screws and cage insertion. Following the second surgery, prompt neurological recovery occurred.

Conclusion

This rare case report emphasizes the importance of a close follow-up protocol for spinal ABCs in the pediatric population. It highlights the challenges in managing these tumors and the need for vigilant monitoring to detect and address rapid recurrences.

Aneurysmal bone cyst: Is selective arterial embolization effective as curettage and bone grafting?

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a lytic benign bone lesion representing about 1% of all primary bone tumors. Method to treat ABC's have developed over time. The standard of care cure for ABC has been curettage with or without bone grafting of the defect but is burdened by recurrence rates of approximately 25%-31%. Based on the assumption that ABCs usually supplied by one or more pathological feeding arteries, selective arterial embolization has been described as an adjuvant preoperative procedure to reduce intra-operative hemorrhage, and as primary treatment for lesions in difficult surgical access. In the current study, we therefore asked whether (1) a single or a repeat selective arterial embolization (SAE) for treating ABCs would produce comparable healing rates compared with curettage and bone grafting; (2) evaluated the relationship of recurrence in relation to the site of the cyst, the age, and gender of the patients; and (3) the two techniques differ in term of long-term complication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 265 patients who underwent curettage and bone grafting or SAE performed at our institute from 1994 to 2018. The diagnosis of ABC was always established with percutaneous CT-guided biopsy or open biopsy. Patients were followed clinically with plain radiographs or CT scan at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months then annually in the absence of symptoms. Treatment success was determined evaluating pre- and postprocedural imaging according to Chang classification.

RESULTS

Two hundred and nineteen were treated with curettage and bone grafting (curettage group), and 46 with SAE Group. Of the 219 patients treated with Curettage and bone grafting (curettage group), 165 out of 219 (75.3%) experienced bone healing, while local recurrence was observed in 54 cases (24.7%) after 12 months on average (range: 3-120 months) from surgery. After the first SAE, bone ossification was seen in 27 (58.7%), without needing any further treatment. Eleven recurred patients were treated with SAE (four patients need two while seven need three SAE to heal), and eight patients with curettage and bone grafting. Thirty-eight out of 46 (82%) patients experienced bone ossification regardless the number of SAE. The overall rate of local recurrence for all patients was 26.7%. SAE group presented a lower complication rate (6%) where two patients experienced skin necrosis, and one limb-length discrepancies (2% of all cohort).

DISCUSSION

The use of SAE is an attractive option to treat ABC as it combines on one hand a lower complication rate than curettage and bone grafting, on the other it can be carried out in case of nonresectable ABCs, significantly reducing the size of viable ABC lesions, fostering bone remodeling and mineralization, and most importantly, significantly improving the patient's quality of life.

Giant sacral aneurysmal bone cyst treated with endovascular embolization

Background

Spine aneurysmal bone cysts (SABC) are osteolytic tumor-like lesions with cystic, blood-filled cavities that represent 15% of all primary spinal bone tumors. The sacrum is a rare site for SABC, and sacral lesions typically carry higher morbidity rates. Here, a 19-year-old female with a large primary multisegmental sacral SABC was successfully managed with 2-staged endovascular embolization.

Case Description

A 19-year-old female presented with progressive worsening of axial lumbosacral pain, and a left L5/S1 radiculopathy. The lumbosacral computed tomography and magnetic resonance studies showed a large (10 cm [AP] × 11 cm [Tr] × 12 cm [CC]) heterogeneous, osteolytic lesion containing multiple fluid-fluid levels. The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a primary SABC. She was treated with a 2-staged endovascular embolization that resolved her pain. This was followed by radiographic confirmation of occlusion of the SABC.

Conclusion

A 19-year-old female presented with an atypical SABC that was successfully managed with 2-staged endovascular embolization.

Surgical Management and Denosumab for Aneurysmal Bone Cysts of the Spine in an Australian Tertiary Paediatric Centre

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are rare osteolytic, benign but often locally aggressive tumours of the long bones or vertebrae. For spinal ABC, surgical management, embolisation or sclerotherapy alone often carry high morbidity and/or high recurrence rates. Interruption of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) signalling holds promise as an effective therapeutic strategy for these tumours. We aimed to review the approach to surgical management and evaluate the efficacy and safety of denosumab for ABC of the spine in children. Retrospective review of 7 patients treated with denosumab using a standardised protocol for ABC of the spine in a tertiary paediatric centre. Surgical intervention was only conducted if there was spinal instability or significant neurological impairment. Denosumab 70 mg/m² was given 4-weekly for at least 6 months, followed by 2 doses of zoledronate 0.025 mg/kg, aiming to prevent rebound hypercalcaemia. All patients achieved stability of the spine and resolution of neurological impairment, if present. Six patients achieved metabolic remission and have ceased denosumab without recurrence to date; the other showed clinical and radiological improvement without complete metabolic remission. Three patients developed symptomatic hypercalcaemia 5-7 months after cessation of denosumab, requiring additional bisphosphonate treatment. We present our algorithm for the surgical and medical management of paediatric spinal ABC. Denosumab produced a radiological and metabolic response in all patients, with complete remission in most. Follow-up time was not long enough to evaluate the endurance of response after cessation in some patients. Incidence of rebound hypercalcaemia in this paediatric cohort was high, prompting a change to our protocol.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the pelvis and sacrum: a single-center study of 17 cases

Background

The aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, but locally aggressive cystic lesion of the bone. It usually occurs in the metaphysis of long bones of adolescents and young adults but can also affect the pelvis.

Methods

This single-center study is a retrospective review of 17 patients with primary ABCs of the pelvis. It examines the importance of polidocanol instillations as minimally invasive treatment option for ABCs of the pelvis compared to intralesional curettage or marginal resection.

Results

Seventeen patients with the diagnosis of a primary ABC of the pelvis were included in the study. Six patients were male (35%) and 11 patients female (65%); the mean age was 18 (9-49) years. The mean follow-up time was 50 months (12-136 months). The most common location of manifestation was the pubis (6; 35%), followed by the ilium (6; 35%), the sacrum (3; 18%) and the ischium (2; 12%). Eight patients were treated by intralesional curettage with the use of adjuvants, one patient by marginal resection, seven by sequential instillation of polidocanol and one patient by simple observation. Five patients received an additional transarterial embolization. After intralesional curettage local recurrence was detected in 4/8 cases (50%). After instillation therapy six patients (86%) had a stable disease without recurrence, only one patient (14%) had a persistent disease with need of additional treatment and was therefore converted to intralesional curettage without local recurrence in the follow-up.

Conclusions

Sequential instillations of polidocanol are a promising, minimally invasive treatment method for ABCs of the pelvis and can be well combined with transarterial embolization.

Selective arterial embolization of aneurysmal bone cyst in the pubic bone: A possible primary treatment

Aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign highly vascular lesion that occurs in children. Traditionally ABCs were treated by surgical resection. However, lesions at difficult to access anatomical locations such as the pelvis have higher morbidity when treated surgically. Recently with the advances in endovascular treatment selective arterial embolization became a promising option for primary treatment of ABC. The authors present a case of a 14-year-old female with a pelvic ABC that was successfully treated by selective arterial embolization. Selective arterial embolization is a cost-efficient way of managing ABC especially in cases where surgical treatment carries high risk.

Is percutaneous injection of bone marrow concentrate, demineralized bone matrix and PRF an alternative to curettage and bone grafting for treating aneurysmal bone cyst?

To determine the efficacy and safety of a single injection with autologous bone marrow concentrate (BMC) combined with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) compared to curettage and bone grafting for treating aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC). Two hundred thirty-nine patients were treated with curettage and bone grafting (Curettage Group), and 21 with percutaneous injection of DBM associated with autologous BMC and PRF (DBM + BMC + PRF Group). All patients attended the outpatient clinic to assess ABC healing and clinical results at the first 3, 6, 9 and 18 months after surgery and then annually in the absence of symptoms. The mean follow-up was 42 months for the Curettage Group (range 6-180 months) and 28 months for the DBM + BMC + PRF Group (range, 6-85 months). Out of the 21 patients who had injection with BMC, DBM, and PRF, 17 (80%) require no additional treatment and they were considered healed. Of the 239 patients treated with curettage and bone grafting after core needle or open biopsy, 177 (74%) were considered healed after the first treatment. Injection in comparison with curettage presented the same risk for local recurrence. The overall rate of local recurrence for all patients was 25%. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant difference in local recurrence rates in patients younger than 15 years, and for the cyst located in the long bones of the lower limbs than the cyst located in the long bones of the upper limbs.

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the scapula in adult patient: two case reports and a review of the literature

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare, benign but locally aggresive bone tumor of unknown origin tumor. It commonly affects children and usually occurs at the metaphysis of long bones. Scapula is a very rare location and ABCs of the scapula have been sparsely described in the literature. Differential diagnosis can be challenging as it shares common radiological and clinicopathological features with other benign and malignant bone tumors. The degree of diagnostic difficulty increases even more when an unusual tumor site has to be taken into account. Here, we describe rare and challenging cases of a primary ABC located at the scapula that was surgically treated. This is the first case report of ABC involving the scapula in adult patient.

Pelvic Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in an Adolescent: A Case Report and Literature Review

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally aggressive lesion. The challenge in managing pelvic ABC arises from its relative inaccessibility and the presence of nearby neurovascular structures. In this report, we present the case of a 14-year-old female with pelvic ABC and describe the symptoms, signs, and radiographic appearance of the ABC, management, and good outcome of non-surgical management by selective trans-arterial embolization. Although challenging, non-surgical management of pelvic ABCs can result in a favorable outcome. In addition, we reviewed the literature regarding the treatment modalities of pelvic ABCs.

Understanding Unicameral and Aneurysmal Bone Cysts

Bone cysts in the pediatric population are often found incidentally on radiographs or after a cyst has created cortical weakness leading to a pathologic fracture. Most bone cysts are benign, are pain free, and resolve spontaneously. The most common bone cyst is unicameral 1-chamber bone cyst, also known as simple bone cyst. General practice pediatricians may be the first to encounter these lesions, and this article aims to help elucidate their incidence, etiology, clinical findings, radiologic findings, and modern treatment approaches. The other differential diagnoses that should be considered, specifically, aneurysmal bone cyst, are also explored. This summary is not all inclusive, and it is recommended that all patients be referred to a pediatric orthopedist.

Severe life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction to polidocanol in a case of recurrent aneurysmal bone cyst

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are expansile lytic lesions constituting around 1% of all benign bone tumors with an annual incidence of 1.4/100000. A variety of treatments are available ranging from curettage with or without bone grafting (autologous or allogeneic), curettage with use of adjuvants [Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, high speed burr, phenol, liquid nitrogen], wide en-block excision with or without reconstruction, selective arterial embolization of the feeding vessels, radiation therapy, high precision megavoltage radiotherapy and percutaneous radio-nuclide ablation, sclerotherapy (ethibloc, aetoxisclerol, alcohol gel, polidocanol). The optimal treatment is debatable due to various indications and contraindications of different modalities of treatment. Recent data suggest that percutaneous sclerotherapy with polidocanol is safe and effective alternative to surgery for treatment of ABCs as it has minimal side effects. We are reporting the first case of life-threatening adverse reaction to intra-lesional polidocanol in a three-year-old boy with a proximal femoral aneurysmal bone cyst. The importance of reporting this case is to make people aware regarding the adverse reaction of polidocanol and to highlight the precautions one should follow while using polidocanol for aneurysmal bone cysts.

PERCUTANEOUS TREATMENT OF ANEURYSMAL BONE CYST WITH CALCITONIN AND METHYLPREDNISOLONE

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the intralesional calcitonin and methylprednisolone percutaneous injection method, which results in the promotion of primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) healing.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study involving 76 patients diagnosed with ABC was performed between 2005 and 2014. Patients treated with calcitonin and methylprednisolone injection and who underwent more than 2 years of follow-up were considered eligible for the study (n=47). The Enneking staging and Capanna classification systems were used during the initial evaluation. Treatment response was assessed by Rastogi radiographic grading based on the degree of healing. X² and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and odds ratio calculations were used in the statistical analysis with a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

The proximal tibia extremity was the most commonly affected site (17.0%). Thirty-three (70.3%) ABC cases were staged as B3 and 28 (59.7%) were classified as type II. The average number of injections performed was 2.8 per patient, with an average reduction of the initial lytic area of 83.7% (p-value=0.00001). Satisfactory results for 91.4% (n=43; p-value=0.00001) were obtained and 5 recurrences occurred. No side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional calcitonin and methylprednisolone percutaneous injection is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe method for promoting primary ABC healing. Level of evidence IV, Type of study: case series.

Hindfoot aneurysmal bone cyst: report of two cases

Osseous tumors of the hindfoot are not usual in the literature, the diagnosis in these cases is difficult and can often go unnoticed. Besides that, surgery and reconstruction are complicated due to the complexity of the local anatomy, which makes these lesions even more challenging for the orthopedic oncological professionals. On the following article two cases of aneurysmal bone cyst of the hindfoot are reported, as well as the alternatives and peculiarities in conducting these cases according to the oncological principles. When the subject are hindfoot tumor lesions, the early diagnosis is extremely important, as well as the proper staging and the management of the case by the orthopedic oncological professional according to oncological principles.

Secondary Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Scapula Treated by CT Guided Percutaneous Polidocanol Injection - A Case Report

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC) is a rare benign tumour, usually affecting early age group and at the metaphysis of long bones. Scapular ABC's are even more rare, especially successfully treated cases. Standard treatment methods like curettage have high recurrence rates hence, adjuvant therapy may be required to avoid recurrence. Polidocanol sclerotherapy is becoming popular because of its safety and efficacy and is being tried successfully for both active as well as aggressive primary ABC of size 3-5cm. We used the same principle in a large secondary ABC of the scapula, which to the best of our knowledge has not been yet reported. The index case is that of a 16-year-old girl who presented with severe pain and swelling of right scapula for 6 months duration with painful limitation of shoulder movements. After extensive evaluation, we diagnosed ABC of the scapula secondary to fibrous dysplasia which was successfully managed by CT guided percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy. One year after the injection, patient is asymptomatic with excellent radiological outcome. Polidocanol is an effective alternative to conventional methods since, it precludes functional disabilities like joint stiffness and shortening which are common with other methods.

Radiotherapy for aneurysmal bone cysts : A rare indication

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are rapidly growing benign osseous lesions composed of blood-filled channels separated by fibrous septa. Since the value of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for ABC has not been well defined, the German Cooperative Group on Radiotherapy for Benign Diseases performed the national register study described herein.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five German institutions collected data regarding clinical features, treatment concepts, and outcome for patients with ABC who had been referred for local EBRT over the past 30 years.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2015, 10 patients with ABC were irradiated (5 female/5 male). Median age was 23 years (range 14-40 years). Involved sites were: spine (n = 3), sacrum/pelvis (n = 2), shoulder/scapula (n = 2), humerus (n = 1), femur (n = 1), and radius (n = 1). The median EBRT total and fractional doses were 28 Gy (range 5-40 Gy) and 2 Gy (range 1-2 Gy), respectively. Median follow-up was 65 months (range 12-358 months). Persistent pain relief was achieved for all patients. However, long-term follow-up response data were only available for 7/10 patients. All 7 patients exhibited a radiological response and experienced no recurrent disease activity or pain during follow-up. Acute and late radiogenic toxicities ≥ grade 3 and secondary malignancies were also not observed.

CONCLUSION

Primary or adjuvant EBRT seems to be an effective and safe treatment option for persistent or recurrent ABC. Fractionated doses below 30 Gy may be recommended.

Pediatric aneurysmal bone cyst in the ischial region

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an expanding osteolytic lesion. ABC represents 1% of all primary benign bone tumors, whereby 4-12% occur in the pelvis. The etiology of this disease remains vague. Aneurysmal bone cyst can exist either as primary bone lesion (70%) or as secondary lesion arising from another bone disorder (30%). Moreover, pelvic ABCs are characterized by their large size and high vascularity. We present a rare pediatric case with ABC involving the ischial region. A 5-year-old girl presented with left pelvic pain and limping for the past 6 months. Initial imaging showed an expansile lesion in the left ischium, and computed tomography guided biopsy showed giant cells in histopathology study with no evidence of metastasis. The patient underwent intraoperative frozen section followed by extensive intra-lesional bone excision. Bone curettage was pursued along with bone grafting. The case was successfully managed without postoperative complications after the 6-month follow-up period.

Occipital aneurysmal bone cyst rupture following head trauma: case report

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are benign, expansile, osteolytic lesions that represent 1%-2% of primary bone tumors. Cranial ABCs are even more rare and represent 3%-6% of these unique lesions. The authors describe the case of a 3-year-old girl who presented with an acute posterior fossa epidural hematoma after minor trauma. Imaging workup revealed a previously undiagnosed suboccipital ABC that appeared to have ruptured as a result of her trauma, leading to a life-threatening hemorrhage. To the authors' knowledge, a ruptured ABC has never before been presented in the pediatric literature. In this case report, the authors review the imaging findings, natural history, clinical course, and treatment of these rare lesions.

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the spine: two case reports

Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare entities which causes expansile and destructive bone lesions characterized by reactive proliferation of connective tissue. They usually grow rapidly with hypervascularity. In clinical practice they can be easily misdiagnosed due to the rare occurance and having no such typical findings as radiologically. Most cases have uncommon pain symptoms, but rarely, if fractures occur, neurological findings can be seen and the surgical treatment, if needed, could be difficult. We will discuss our evaluations to two cases that we experienced in our clinic in this report.

Treatment of an aggressive aneurysmal bone cyst with percutaneous injection of polidocanol: a case report

Introduction

Aneurysmal bone cysts are benign tumours that usually present in childhood. Aggressive forms have been described, which are often treated with surgery that entails major resection and reconstruction. Polidocanol sclerotherapy has recently been reported to have excellent results and promises to replace operative treatments, but its efficacy in the case of aggressive aneurysmal bone cysts has not been documented.

Case presentation

An 18-year-old woman from Sweden presented with pain in her shoulder and a rapidly progressing cystic bone lesion. The differential diagnosis was a rare, aggressive form of aneurysmal bone cyst or a sarcoma of the proximal humerus. She was successfully treated using sequential percutaneous injections of polidocanol after exclusion of malignancy.

Conclusions

Management of aggressive aneurysmal bone cysts has thus far relied on open surgery. We propose that non-operative treatment with polidocanol is efficient even in the aggressive form of the aneurysmal bone cyst.

Background acetabular aneurysmal bone cyst in a 7 year-old: Presentation of a case

The bone cyst is a rare benign tumor that usually develops in childhood. There are several treatment options, however when it is located within the pelvis treatment is complex. A 7 year-old patient who presented with 3 months of right hip pain and limping. The initial radiograph showed a discrete periostic reaction and acetabulum effacement. The MRI and CT scans suggested the diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst and was confirmed by open biopsy. Two serial embolizations were performed with good results, the patient was asymptomatic one year after.

Primary Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in the Iliac Bone: A Case Report

Symptomatic aneurysmal bone cysts with expansible lesions in the pelvis are rare in children. The management of an aggressive vascular lesion in a female child is challenging. The standard treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts is accompanied by a high risk of local recurrence. A 12-year-old female presented with a history of pelvic pain for 5 months. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging showed a very large expansile lytic lesion arising from the right iliac bone. Intralesional curettage, electric cauterization, chemical sclerotherapy and allogeneic bone graft were performed through the window of the iliac crest. At a follow-up consultation 3.5 years post-surgery, the child had painless full-range movement in the hip joint with no recurrence. Although many treatment options are described, our patient was treated successfully using curettage and allogeneic bone graft without recurrence.

Targeting receptor-activator of nuclear kappaB ligand in aneurysmal bone cysts: verification of target and therapeutic response

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign tumor of bone presenting as a cystic, expansile lesion in both the axial and appendicular skeleton. Axial lesions demand special consideration, because treatment-related morbidity can be devastating. In similar lesions, such as giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), the receptor-activator of nuclear kappaB ligand (RANKL)-receptor-activator of nuclear kappaB (RANK) signaling axis is essential to tumor progression. Although ABC and GCTB are distinct entities, they both contain abundant multinucleated giant cells and are osteolytic characteristically. We hypothesize that ABCs express both RANKL and RANK similarly in a cell-type specific manner, and that targeted RANKL therapy will mitigate ABC tumor progression. Cellular expression of RANKL and RANK was determined in freshly harvested ABC samples using laser confocal microscopy. A consistent cell-type-specific pattern was observed: fibroblastlike stromal cells expressed RANKL strongly whereas monocyte/macrophage precursor and multinucleated giant cells expressed RANK. Relative RANKL expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in ABC and GCTB tissue samples; no difference in relative expression was observed (P > 0.05). In addition, we review the case of a 5-year-old boy with a large, aggressive sacral ABC. After 3 months of targeted RANKL inhibition with denosumab, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated tumor shrinkage, bone reconstitution, and healing of a pathologic fracture. Ambulation, and bowel and bladder function were restored at 6 months. Denosumab treatment was well tolerated. Post hoc analysis demonstrated strong RANKL expression in the pretreatment tumor sample. These findings demonstrate that RANKL-RANK signal activation is essential to ABC tumor progression. RANKL-targeted therapy may be an effective alternative to surgery in select ABC presentations.

Functional outcomes and quality of life following surgical treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts of the pelvis in children

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are a benign aggressive tumor that occurs rarely in the pelvis in the pediatric population. Pelvic ABCs may involve the triradiate cartilage and/or the acetabulum, which increases the technical difficulty of surgical treatment and has potential implications on the growth and development of the hip joint. This study examines the clinical presentation, rate of surgical complications, and recurrence rate, as well as, long-term clinical and functional outcomes of children with pelvic ABCs treated at a single institution by a single treatment modality.

METHODS

Between 1988 and 2008, 142 children with histologically confirmed ABCs were treated at our institution. Seventeen (12 %) tumors were located in the pelvis. A total of 13 pelvic ABCs (5 ilium-periacetabular, 4 pubic, 3 ilium-iliac wing, and 1 ischium) were included in this study. There were eight male and five female patients with a mean age of 12.9 years (range 4.1-17.5 years) at the time of surgery. The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 1993 (MSTS'93) score, and the Short Form Health Survey Sf-36 were obtained at a minimum 5-year follow-up in all patients (mean follow-up 11.5 years, range 5.5-19.8 years). The mean age at follow-up was 24.3 years (range 14.6-32.6 years).

RESULTS

All patients were treated surgically with intralesional curettage extended with a high-speed burr and bone grafting. Eight patients received adjunctive therapy with phenol. Five patients had preoperative selective arterial embolization. Of the 13 patients, 1 had a local recurrence diagnosed at 6 months after surgery. The only complication in the cohort was a superficial wound infection. At the latest follow-up, all patients were free of disease. The mean TESS score was 95 and the mean MSTS'93 score was 93 %. The mean self-rated general health score, according to the SF-36 was 87 % of total points possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended curettage and bone grafting of pelvic ABCs in the pediatric population can yield high clinical and functional scores at an average of 11 years follow-up with a low rate of complications and recurrence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.

Serial endovascular embolization as stand-alone treatment of a sacral aneurysmal bone cyst

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are destructive cystic lesions of the bone and are common in children. They are expansile in nature and, therefore, may become symptomatic. These have traditionally been treated surgically; but recently, endovascular embolization has shown promise as a stand-alone therapy. The authors describe a case of an ABC highlighting the effectiveness and efficiency of endovascular treatment. A 16-year-old boy was referred for a 4-month history of radiating back pain and urinary hesitancy. Findings from his neurological examination were normal, but he had problems ambulating because of pain. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT scanning showed a cystic mass in the sacrum; a biopsy was performed and diagnosis of ABC was confirmed. Treatment options were then discussed with the family.

The patient underwent 2 endovascular embolizations in approximately 1 month: Onyx 18 was involved in the first session, and N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue was used in the second session. After the first treatment, the patient experienced a dramatic decrease in pain and concomitant improvement in function. The patient went from being mildly symptomatic after the first treatment to completely asymptomatic after the second treatment. Clinical and radiographic follow-up obtained at 2, 6, and 18 months after initial treatment revealed the patient to be asymptomatic with progressive ossification.

Endovascular treatment can be effective in treating symptomatic cases of ABC in which surgery would carry significant risk. Selective arterial embolization can promote sclerosis and result in an immediate and significant decrease in pain.

A comparison of cyst wall curettage and en bloc excision in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts

BACKGROUND

The recurrence rate after aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) treatment is quite high despite its benign nature. In ABC therapy, curettage is the treatment of choice; en bloc excision results in a lower recurrence rate, but more extensive reconstructive surgery is needed with associated morbidity. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of the two treatment options.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients treated for ABCs: 16 by curettage and 10 by en bloc excision. Each lesion was classified according to Enneking and patients were followed up for a mean time of 9.2 years. On follow-up, radiological examination and functional assessment (range of motion, muscle strength) were performed. Recurrence was defined as the presence of an osteolytic lesion, especially one with a tendency to grow.

RESULTS

On follow-up, the following symptoms were more prevalent in the en bloc excision group compared to the curettage group: pain (en bloc 20% versus curettage 6.25%), limb length differences (en bloc 20% versus curettage 12.5%), reduced range of motion (en bloc 20% versus curettage 6.25%) and muscle strength impairment (en bloc 50% versus curettage 31.2%); however, the differences were not statistically significant (P >0.05). In the curettage group, two cases of postoperative complications and two cases of recurrence were seen, while in the en bloc excision group one case of complications was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Curettage is a standard procedure in ABC management. En bloc excision is another option, albeit more technically demanding, that may be considered in recurrent lesions with extensive bone destruction or for cysts in an expendable location.

Successful treatment of aggressive aneurysmal bone cyst of the pelvis with serial embolization

Intralesional surgery is most commonly used for aneurysmal bone cysts. Rarely is en bloc resection used for active, aggressive, recurrent lesions and those located in expendable bones. However, persistence or recurrence of aneurysmal bone cysts is common. The clinical behavior of aneurysmal bone cysts is more aggressive in younger patients. Selective embolization is used as the primary treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts in surgically difficult anatomical locations and as an adjuvant to surgical treatment to reduce intraoperative blood loss and facilitate curettage.This article describes a 3-year-old boy with an aggressive aneurysmal bone cyst of the pelvis involving the right ischiopubic rami that achieved curative treatment with 3 embolizations with N-2-butyl-cyanoacrylate. Biopsy was diagnostic; however, the clinical course was misleading. Twenty days after the first embolization, despite complete occlusion of the feeding vessels, the patient experienced severe pain, increased size of the lesion, and lateral subluxation of the right hip. Based on the imaging and histological diagnosis, intralesional hemorrhage was assumed, and repeat embolization was performed. After the second embolization, the patient experienced perineal skin necrosis from normal vessel embolization; it was treated with wound dressing changes and healed uneventfully. A third embolization was performed because of a persistent lesion. Six years after treatment, the patient was symptom free, and imaging showed complete ossification of the cyst.Selective catheterization and occlusion of the feeding arteries with the appropriate embolic agent provide tumor devascularization, size reduction, pain relief, and induction of new bone formation. Multiple procedures are often necessary, and complications may occur.

Preoperative transarterial Embolisation in bone tumors

Bone tumors include a variety of lesions, both primary and metastatic. The treatment modalities for bone tumors vary with the individual lesion, but in general surgical excision is the treatment of choice with other adjunctive therapies. However, surgery for many bone tumors is complex due to several factors including tumor bulk, vascularity, vicinity to vital structures and potentially inaccessible location of the lesion. Transarterial Embolisation (TAE) is one of the important adjuvant treatment modalities and in some cases it may be the primary and curative treatment. Preoperative TAE has proved to be effective in both primary and metastatic bone tumors. It reduces tumor vascularity and intraoperative blood loss, the need for blood transfusion and associated complications, allows better definition of tissue planes at surgery affording more complete excision, and hence reduced recurrence. Preoperative chemoEmbolisation has also been shown to increase the sensitivity of some tumors to subsequent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There are several techniques and embolic agents available for this purpose, but the ultimate aim is to achieve tumor devascularization. In this review, we discuss the techniques including the choice of embolic agent, application to individual lesions and potential complications.

Advance in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of the sacrum

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was the review of 11 patients with two different treatment methods used historically for aneurysmal bone cyst in the sacrum. The outcome of both procedures is reported. In addition, the treatment technique of CT-guided percutaneous injections of demineralized bone matrix mixed with bone marrow concentrate is described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 1997 to 2008, 11 patients with sacral aneurysmal bone cyst were treated at the Rizzoli Institute, Bologna, Italy. The first seven patients had surgical curettage without bone grafting, chemical adjuvants, or arterial embolization. The last four patients had arterial embolization. The last patient did not respond to arterial embolization and was treated by CT-guided injection of demineralized bone matrix mixed with bone marrow concentrate.

RESULTS

Curettage was successful in five out of seven patients. Two patients suffered complications, and two cases had recurrence. Arterial embolization was successful in three of four patients. The patient treated with injection had a good clinical and radiographic result.

CONCLUSION

Both surgical and arterial embolization are effective for aneurysmal bone cyst in the sacrum. However, these treatments may lead to complications and recurrence. The use of CT-guided injections of demineralized bone matrix mixed with bone marrow concentrate may be a safe and effective alternative for treatment of these destructive and problematic lesions.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the acromion treated by selective arterial embolization

Aneurysmal bone cysts are rarely located in the scapula and are especially rare in the acromion. We present an 8-year-old boy with a large aneurysmal bone cyst of the acromion that achieved curative treatment with one selective transcatheter arterial embolization. Five years after the procedure, healing of the lesion and remodeling of the acromion was observed without any evidence of recurrence.

Pelvic girdle reconstruction based on spinal fusion and ischial screw fixation in a case of aneurysmal bone cyst

A case of lytic lesion of the pelvis in a 23-year-old woman is presented. A biopsy led to the diagnosis aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). Due to the histologically very aggressive growth of the tumor, a low malignant osteosarcoma could not be excluded. In an initial operation the tumour, affecting the sacrum, the iliac crest and the lower lumbar spine was resected. Temporary restabilisation of the pelvic ring was achieved by a titanium plate. The histological examination of the entire tumour confirmed the diagnosis ABC. After 6 months, the MRI showed no recurrence. The observed tilt of the spine to the operated side on the sacral base prompted a second surgical procedure: a transpedicular fixation of L5 and L4 was connected via bent titanium stems to the ischium, where the fixation was achieved by two screws. This construction allowed the correction of the base angle and yielded a stable closure of the pelvic ring. The patient has now been followed for 6 years: the bone grafts have been incorporated and, in spite of radiological signs of screw loosening in the ischium, the patient is fully rehabilitated and free of symptoms. Pedicle screws in the lower spine can be recommended for fixation of a pelvic ring discontinuity.

Selective arterial embolisation for bone tumours: experience of 454 cases

PURPOSE

The authors present the experience of a single institution with selective arterial embolisation for primary and metastatic bone tumours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 365 patients were treated with 454 embolisation procedures from December 2002 to April 2010. Embolisation was the primary treatment for benign bone tumours, adjuvant treatment to surgery for benign and malignant bone tumours and palliative treatment for bone sarcomas and metastases. Indications for repeat embolisation included pain or imaging evidence of progressive disease: 105 patients had repeat embolisation at the same location at an interval of 1-3 months; 260 patients had one embolisation, 78 had two and 29 had three or more. In all patients, N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in 33% lipiodol was the embolic agent used.

RESULTS

A total of 419 of the 454 embolisations (93%) were technically successful. In 35 cases, embolisation was not feasible because of poor lesion vascularisation (21 patients with bone metastases and two with aneurysmal bone cysts), origin of the Adamkiewicz artery in the embolisation field (four patients with bone metastases and one with aneurysmal bone cyst), atheromatosis and arteriosclerosis (five patients with bone metastases) and anatomical and technical problems such as small-calibre vessels, many branches and acute vessel angles (two patients with bone metastases). A clinical response was achieved in 406 of the 419 procedures (97%), and no response in 13 procedures in patients with pelvis and sacrum tumours. Complications included postembolisation syndrome in 81 patients (22%), transient paraesthesias in 41 (11%), skin breakdown and subcutaneous necrosis at the shoulder and pelvis in five (1.4%) and paresis of the sciatic nerve in one (0.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend embolisation as primary or palliative treatment or an adjunct to surgery for tumours of variable histology. Strict adherence to the principles of transcatheter embolisation is important. Arteries feeding the tumour and collaterals must be evaluated carefully and catheterised superselectively to protect the normal tissues. NBCA is considered the most appropriate embolic agent for small-vessel occlusion without major complications.

Successful treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst of the hip in a child by selective transcatheter arterial embolization

Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare lesions that occur more commonly in the first and second decades of life. In children, a juxtaepiphyseal location is associated with increased risk of growth plate damage, skeletal deformity, and recurrence. Different treatments have been reported for the management of aneurysmal bone cysts, including surgical excision with or without adjuvants, intralesional injection of sclerosing agents, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, systemic calcitonin therapy, and selective arterial embolization. The authors present the case of a 5-year-old girl with a large aneurysmal bone cyst at the proximal femur, complicated by a pathologic fracture; treatment with two selective transcatheter arterial embolizations was curative.

Is sclerotherapy better than intralesional excision for treating aneurysmal bone cysts?

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive approaches such as sclerotherapy have been introduced to treat aneurysmal bone cysts. Sclerotherapy has been associated with reasonable healing rates during the past two decades. However, it is unclear whether sclerotherapy compares with the more traditional extended curettage and bone grafting.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore compared the healing rates and functional scores in patients having percutaneous repetitive sclerotherapy using polidocanol (Group 1) with those with intralesional excision (extended curettage with a high-speed burr) and bone grafting (Group 2) for treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We randomly divided 94 patients into two treatment groups. We assessed healing rates (primary outcome measure), pain relief, time to healing and recurrence, hospital stay, and the Enneking functional score. Forty-five patients from Group 1 and 46 from Group 2 were available for study. The minimum followup was 3.2 years (mean, 4.4 years; range, 3.2-6.1 years).

RESULTS

At last followup, 93.3% in Group 1 and 84.8% in Group 2 had achieved healing. Complications in Group 1 were minor and resolved. In Group 2, three patients had deep infections and five had superficial infections, and two had growth disturbances. Although the healing rates were similar, we found higher rates of clinically important complications, worse functional outcomes, and higher hospital burden associated with intralesional excision.

CONCLUSIONS

Repetitive sclerotherapy using polidocanol is a minimally invasive, safer method of treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts compared with intralesional excision and bone grafting. In this preliminary study, we found similar recurrence rates for the two treatment methods, however, this will require confirmation in larger studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Large aneurysmal bone cyst of iliac bone in a female child: a case report

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic aneurysmal bone cysts in pediatric age group with an expansile lesion in ilium is a rare occurrence.

CASE

An 11-year-old female presented with a swelling over her right iliac region and numbness along the medial aspect of thigh. Clinicoradiological diagnosis was aneurysmal bone cyst confirmed on fine needle aspiration cytology. Excision curettage (wide margin excision of the soft tissue tumor and intralesional curettage in the region of acetabulum) of the tumor was performed in view of proximity to acetabular roof and endangered hip stability.

RESULT

At follow up of 18 months, the child has full painless range of movements in the hip joint with no recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic aneurysmal bone cysts are distinctly rare in pediatric age. The lesion was associated with an atypical symptom of numbness along the femoral nerve distribution. Hip stability and range of movements were major concern in this patient. Although many treatment options are described, surgical excision still remains the mainstay. In our case, we performed excision curettage, with good outcome.

Selective arterial embolization of 36 aneurysmal bone cysts of the skeleton with N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a lytic benign bone lesion representing about 1% of all primary bone tumors. The lesion causes pain and swelling, which are generally present for less than 3 months.

METHODS

From April 2003 to April 2008 36 patients affected by aneurysmal bone cysts were treated by selective arterial embolization with N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate. The study population comprised 20 male and 16 female patients with an age range of 3.3-60.8 years. Nine lesions were localized in the appendicular skeleton (1 in the upper and 8 in the lower limb), 4 in the thoracic cage (1 rib lesion and 3 scapular lesions), 17 in the pelvis and 6 in the spine (1 thoracic and 5 sacral localizations).

RESULTS

A total of 55 embolizations were performed: in 22 cases (61%) only one embolization was needed, whilst two embolizations were necessary in 9 cases (25%) and 3 in the remaining 5 patients (14%). The treatment was effective in 32 patients (94% ): follow-up was 0.9-5 years. In one patient, previously surgically treated, only the cyanoacrylate embolization turned out to be useful for healing the lesion. Another 7 patients underwent surgery during the study period. In the 55 procedures we performed we had 3 complications (5%): 2 cases of skin necrosis and 1 of transient paresis.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial embolization with cyanoacrylate may be the treatment of choice for aneurysmal bone cysts. Embolization is a less invasive, lower cost, simpler procedure than surgery and is easily repeatable.

Argon beam coagulation as adjuvant treatment after curettage of aneurysmal bone cysts: a preliminary study

The optimal treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts remains an area of debate. Curettage, with or without adjuvant therapy, has been advocated for tumors in most locations. To evaluate argon beam coagulation as adjuvant therapy to curettage, we retrospectively analyzed the complication and recurrence rates in 40 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst. For our analysis of recurrence, we excluded six of the 40 patients who were lost to followup or had less than 18 months followup; five patients treated with resection also were excluded. Of the remaining 29 patients, 17 were treated with curettage and argon beam coagulation and 12 were treated with curettage with or without phenol. None of the 17 patients treated with curettage and argon beam coagulation had a recurrence, whereas four patients treated without argon beam coagulation had recurrences. There were no differences between patients treated with or without argon beam coagulation regarding frequencies of intraoperative complications, neurovascular injury, or bone graft incorporation. Argon beam coagulation seems to offer favorable control rates when compared with curettage with or without phenol. No complications have been experienced thus far with its use.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Tumours and tumour-like lesions of the hip in the paediatric age: a review of the Rizzoli experience

Bone tumours and tumour-like lesions of the hip in children are rare. Signs and symptoms of these tumours are generally nonspecific. Delay of diagnosis is not uncommon. A high index of suspicion in young patients presenting with persistent pain and without history of trauma, that is unresolved with conservative therapy should prompt further investigation, including radiographs or computed tomography scan of the pelvis. In the experience of the Istituto Rizzoli, in patients less than 14 years (mean 9 years, ranged from 6 months to 14 years), 752 tumours and tumours-like lesions occurred in the pelvis or proximal femur, involving the hip. Tumour-like lesions accounted for 322 cases (simple bone cyst in 255, eosinophilic granuloma in 43, aneurismal bone cyst in 34), benign tumours for 340 cases (osteoid osteoma in 229, fibrous dysplasia in 63, exostosis in 48) and malignant tumours for 80 cases (Ewing's sarcoma in 53 and osteosarcoma in 27). The epidemiology, pathology, clinical presentation, and radiograph findings are discussed for each of these tumours.Treatment of these tumours differs from observation or minimally invasive treatment for most pseudotumoural lesions, intralesional excision or termoablation for benign bone tumours and wide resection for malignant bone tumours. In this latter group, chemotherapy is required and often administered pre- and postoperatively.

Risk factors for blood loss during sacral tumor resection

Extensive hemorrhage is a serious complication during sacral tumor resection. Identifying the risk factors predicting the possibility of extensive hemorrhage would be important to predict which patients would need large amounts of transfused blood intraoperatively and postoperatively and which patients would need blood control by vascular occlusion. We retrospectively reviewed 173 patients who underwent sacral tumor resection performed at our institute between 2003 and 2007. Patients with an estimated total blood loss greater than 3000 mL were classified as having a large amount of blood loss. Sixty-nine (39.88%) patients had blood loss greater than 3000 mL. Male gender, excessive tumor blood supply, tumors involving the S2 body and cephalad to the S2 body, tumor volume greater than 200 cm(3), aorta occlusion, surgical approach, reconstruction, and operative time were associated with a large amount of blood loss. Tumors cephalad to the S2-S3 disc space (odds ratio, 3.840), tumor volume greater than 200 cm(3) (odds ratio, 3.381), and excessive blood supply (odds ratio, 2.281) independently predicted a large amount of blood loss. Sacral tumors that invaded cephalad to the S2-S3 disc space with a volume greater than 200 cm(3) and an excessive blood supply were likely to have a large amount of blood loss during resection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Decision making in primary sacral tumors

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Primary tumors of the sacrum are extremely rare lesions. Their management is governed by an interplay of complex factors. Appropriate decision making is crucial to obtain the best possible outcome in terms of maximizing disease control while attempting to minimize neurological dysfunction.

PURPOSE

Our study presents the results of a group of patients with primary tumors of the sacrum who were surgically treated by the same multidisciplinary team at a specialist oncology center over a relatively short period of time (5 years).

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Patients were identified by a retrospective review from a prospectively maintained database.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Between January 2000 and December 2005, 17 primary sacral tumors were surgically treated at our institution, a referral center for oncology.

OUTCOME MEASURES

We evaluated the outcome in terms of local disease control, residual neurological dysfunction, and complications as a result of surgical intervention.

METHODS

There were 12 males and 5 females. The diagnosis included chordoma in six patients, giant cell tumor in seven patients, aneurysmal bone cyst in two patients, and a chondrosarcoma and an osteoblastoma in one patient each. Sixteen of these patients were analyzed. Four lesions had their upper extent at S1, six lesions had their upper extent at S2, four lesions had their upper extent at S3, and two lesions were below S3. Ten cases were treated with wide excision and underwent partial sacral amputations. Five cases had a midline sacral amputation through S1, three through S2, and two through S3. Six benign lesions were treated with curettage. None of the patients received chemotherapy. Four cases received postoperative radiation. The follow-up duration ranged from 18 to 44 months with a mean of 31 months.

RESULTS

None of the six patients who presented with loss of bladder and bowel control regained it after surgery. Of the 10 patients who had intact bladder and bowel control preoperatively only 4 retained bladder and bowel control postoperatively. Of the six patients who lost bladder and bowel control postoperatively, four patients had a wide excision where bilateral S2 roots were sacrificed. The other two cases in whom the disease extended up to S1 had curettage. Local recurrence occurred in 4 of the 10 lesions treated with wide excision. All the patients who had inadequate margins recurred. Local recurrence occurred in two of the six lesions treated with curettage. Three of the four cases who received postoperative irradiation developed recurrence. Our wound complication rate was 13%.

CONCLUSION

Wide resection with adequate margins gives the best chance of local control and should be the surgery of choice for all malignant primary sacral tumors and in benign lesions involving lower segments when preservation of both S3 roots is possible. Intralesional curettage has a higher risk of local recurrence without providing the certainty of retaining neurological function. To retain bladder and bowel control and minimize neurological dysfunction, it may be worthwhile managing benign sacral tumors that extend above S3 with serial embolization. The administration of parenteral bisphosphonates may prove beneficial in cases of giant cell tumor managed with serial embolization.

Current treatments of primary aneurysmal bone cysts

The management of aneurysmal bone cyst depends on the age of the patient, the location, extent, aggressiveness and the size of the lesion. In the light of their experience and a review of the literature of 1256 aneurysmal bone cysts, the authors analyzed various treatment modalities. Inactive lesions can heal with biopsy or curettage alone. In active or aggressive lesions, elective treatment usually consists of curettage, whether associated or not with bone grafting and local adjuvants. Aneurysmal bone cyst in young children do not seem more aggressive than in older children. In pelvic locations, the emergence of a few cases of spontaneous healing (even in active or aggressive lesions) encourages the adoption of clinical and radiological supervision for some months after biopsy when possible. In some cases, the localization and extent of the cyst are such that operative treatment is extremely hazardous. Selective arterial embolization has made a considerable contribution towards the therapeutic solution of such cases. For some authors, direct percutaneous Ethibloc injection can be recommended as the first-choice treatment except in spinal lesions. Nevertheless, the complications encountered in some series after percutaneous embolization of aneurysmal bone cyst with Ethibloc should encourage the use of Ethibloc injection not as an initial treatment but as a reliable alternative to surgery.

Vertebral tumors: surgical versus nonsurgical treatment

The treatment of spinal tumors represents a challenge to spine care professionals. Fortunately, the incidence of new cases of primary malignant bone tumors is lower compared with that of other tumors. In the United States approximately 2000 malignant bone tumors of 7000 new sarcomas are diagnosed each year. Of these, 4% to 20% (80-400 tumors) of bone tumors are spinal tumors. Metastatic tumors are the most frequent tumor of bone and the most frequent tumor of the spinal column regardless of the origin of the primary tumor. More than 90% of spinal tumors are metastatic. Thirty to seventy percent of patients who die from cancer have evidence of vertebral metastases visible on careful postmortem examination, with the potential that this number could reach 85% in patients with breast cancer. Less than 10% of patients with spinal tumors present with spinal instability requiring surgical treatment; this accounts for approximately 18,000 new cases yearly. We will focus on the most recent advances in nonsurgical and surgical treatment of vertebral tumors. In surgical treatment, the evaluation and selection of patients, indications and surgical strategies, open and minimally invasive techniques, outcomes and complications will be discussed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V (expert opinion). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of the levels of evidence.