Title
Osteoid osteoma of the spine: surgically correctable cause of painful scoliosis
Document Type
Article
Department or Administrative Unit
Biological Sciences
Publication Date
10-15-1986
Abstract
Osteoid osteoma is a small benign neoplasm of bone that may occur in any part of the skeleton. When present in the spine it is often associated with pain and scoliosis. Surgical removal usually leads to prompt relief of the painful muscle spasm and correction of the scoliosis. The importance of the small bone lesion, therefore, lies in its recognition as a cause of painful scoliosis that is surgically correctable by simple removal.
In many cases the lesion is recognized only after years of unsuccessful attempts to correct painful scoliosis with braces. Repeated radiographic studies including computed tomography may be required to detect the small, elusive lesion. Although osteoid osteoma is an uncommon cause of scoliosis, a thorough search for this lesion in cases of painful scoliosis can spare patients years of frustration and disability.
Recommended Citation
Haibach H, Farrell C, Gaines RW. Osteoid osteoma of the spine: surgically correctable cause of painful scoliosis. CMAJ. 1986;135(8):895-899.
Journal
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 by Canadian Medical Association
Comments
This article was originally published in Canadian Medical Association Journal. The full-text article can be found here.