Aggressive osteoblastoma of the cervical spine involving the canal and vertebral artery: a case report

Objective We present such a case of aggressive osteoblastoma of cervical spine. We describe its complicated clinical progression, hoping to shed light on the surgical strategy of this complex tumor. Methods We present such a case of aggressive osteoblastoma involving the C6-7 vertebrae. A 25-year-old man was diagnosed as aggressive osteoblastoma of the cervical spine. The lesion encroached upon the radicular foramina and was located adjacent to the canal of the vertebral artery. Preoperative embolization was performed to reduce intraoperative bleeding and to prevent intraoperative injury of the vertebral artery. Results A pathologic examination showed osteoblasts suggestive of osteoblastoma. At 2-year follow-up, bony union was achieved, and there was no evidence of recurrence on a CT scan. Conclusion En bloc total resection for highly vascular osteoblastoma is ideal, but this case shows that piecemeal total resection following preoperative embolization is a surgical option for highly expansive osteoblastoma.