Transoral resection of a symptomatic odontoid process aneurysmal bone cyst: illustrative case

• DOI: 10.3171/case2485
• Publication Date: 2025-01-13T06:46:57Z
• Authors: Michael C. Jin; Akshay V. Save; Elad Mashiach; Michael B. Montal...; Jeffrey Ordner; Kristen M. Thomas; Michael J. Persky; David H. Harter; Christina E. Sarris
• Keywords: Aneurysmal Bone Cyst; Odontoid process

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are slow-growing, expansile tumors most often observed in the long bones and lumbar thoracic spine. Anterior column ABCs of spine rare, few cases have described their surgical management, particularly for lesions with extension into odontoid process bilateral C2 pedicles. In present case, authors describe a two-stage strategy resection symptomatic 2.3 × 3.3 2.7-cm ABC cord compression 13-year-old patient. Initial tumor debulking was completed via transoral approach, involved region spanning to C2-3 disc space continued until visualization posterior longitudinal ligament. After appropriate decompression confirmed, patient repositioned prone removal residual among Posterior instrumentation placed from occiput C4, an autologous rib graft encourage fusion. The postoperative recovery uneventful, 2-month imaging demonstrated postsurgical changes, resolution compression, stable position material. approach facilitates sufficient exposure large ABCs, stabilization can reduce risk cervical subluxation. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2485.