A Bone Cyst in the Cervical Region of the Vertebral Column: A Report of a Rare Case

Of all primary spine tumors, 15% are benign osteolytic lesions known as aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs). Owing to the involvement of surrounding neurovascular structures and the potential for cervical spine instability, ABCs in the cervical spine represent a relatively uncommon clinical entity with surgical resection that is extremely challenging. This report details a case of an ABC in the cervical spine affecting a 10-year-old child who presented at the Medical Services Center at Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. The patient manifested with neck pain, a history of trauma, limitations in cervical motion, and neurological changes over the course of clinical follow-up. Diagnostic measures included radiography and computed tomography. The child underwent surgery to stabilize the cervical spine and to excise both the tumor and the affected vertebrae. Given the high recurrence rate of previously described lesions, various additional techniques have been utilized in conjunction with surgical resection, such as radiation and embolization. This paper further discusses the patient's progress, the chosen treatment, and the range of available options. More research is needed to develop evidence-based treatment plans for cervical spine ABCs in younger patients.