Aneurysmal bone cyst of the cervical spine: report of a case investigated by computed tomographic scanning and treated by a two-stage surgical procedure.

The authors report the case of a 62-year-old woman with an aneurysmal bone cyst of the cervical spine. The patient presented with a progressive tetraparesis. Cervical computed tomographic scanning revealed a mass involving three contiguous vertebral bodies. The patient underwent two consecutive surgical procedures: (a) laminectomy and metallic plate osteosynthesis and (b) an anterior approach for curettage of the cyst and autologous grafting. Twelve months after operation, the patient was given a course of radiation therapy in the cervical area. She was found to be asymptomatic at the 20-month follow-up examination. The authors discuss the etiological, anatomical, and radiological features of vertebral aneurysmal bone cysts and evaluate treatment methods.