Spinal osteoid osteomas. Apropos of 4 cases

Abstract Spinal osteoid osteomas constitute a rare but perfectly curable cause of non-disc root pain. In discussing four cases (2 cervical and 2 lumbar), the authors stress that this disorder affects above all males under 30 and presents as vertebral column pain gradually becoming radicular in character; the pain, essentially nocturnal, is spectacularly but transiently relieved by salicylates and is accompanied by often frank stiffness of the spine. The diagnosis is based less on X rays and tomographs, than on isotope bone scanning, which reveals a focus of intense hyperfixation, and CAT scanning which shows a bony lacuna possibly with an opacity in the center producing a rosette shaped image. Block excision of the osteoid osteoma produces immediate relief for the patient and prevents recurrence which only occurs exceptionally.