Unusual presentation of osteoblastoma in a patient with idiopathic scoliosis after posterior spinal fusion

Background ContextFew studies have described the diagnosis of osteoblastoma of the spine as a cause of scoliosis. These reports have described the tumor in conjunction with initial presentation of painful scoliosis. This case report presents a case of osteoblastoma 9 years removed from diagnosis and fusion of idiopathic scoliosis in the thoracic spine.PurposeTo report the late presentation of an osteoblastoma of the thoracic spine 9 years after posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis.Study designCase report.MethodsA 25-year-old man presented with thoracolumbar back pain and progressive neurological deficit 9 years after posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine indicated the presence of a mass in the spinal canal causing cord compression. The patient underwent decompression with resection of the mass which was found to be an aggressive osteoblastoma.ResultsThe patient enjoyed a full neurological recovery and has subsequently developed a recurrence at 13 months.ConclusionsWe present osteoblastoma as a possible cause of low back pain and neurological deficit postfusion that should be considered in a differential diagnosis.