| pubmed-article:16462224 | pubmed:abstractText | Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare expansile osteolytic lesion of bone comprising proliferating vascular tissue lining blood-filled cystic cavities. ABCs occur most frequently in patients under age 20 and are uncommon after 30 years of age. Three to 20% of cases occur in the spine, and upper cervical involvement is rare. Lesions may grow rapidly and attain considerable size. When involving the spine, ABCs may result in instability and neurologic compromise, making prompt diagnosis and treatment imperative. We present a report of a 6-year-old child with an ABC of the second cervical vertebrae causing atlantoaxial and C2-C3 instability, treated successfully with curettage, decompression, and anterior and posterior arthrodesis with posterior instrumentation. | lld:pubmed |
