Osteoid osteoma of the odontoid: Case report and literature review

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a small tumor of bone that affects the spine in 10 of the cases. The tumor has a tendency toneural arc, and the lumbar spine is the most common site of presentation. Lesions of the odontoid process are very rare.We presented the case of a 20-year-old man who had cervical pain for 8 months. The pain responded to medical therapy.After investigation, there was a lytic lesion at the odontoid process with the characteristic features of OO in computedtomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Firstly, medical treatment was initiated with the administration ofnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; however, due to adverse effects and worsening of his pain, the patient underwentsurgical treatment with intralesional curettage from the transoral approach. In addition, the posterior fusion of the firstand second cervical vertebrae was performed. The pain disappeared, and the patient was symptom-free after one yearof follow-up.Level of evidence: V