Eosinophil granuloma of the spine.

Eosinophil granuloma of the spine is an uncommon lesion. Six patients with seven vertebral lesions were seen over the past 15 years. Clinical data and suggested pathomechanics relating to each patient are given. The latter correlates well with subsequent progress in each case. All patients were treated symptomatically with initial bed rest, with or without traction. Pain settled rapidly and patients were then allowed to ambulate wearing either a posterior spinal support or plaster jacket. The lesions healed spontaneously in all cases, and reconstitution of vertebral height occurred in all four lesions where wafer-like collapse occurred initially. An appeal is made that radiation therapy and surgical intervention not be undertaken unless specific indications such as neurological complications warrant it. Biopsy is also not necessary in typical cases but should always be considered.