Osteoblastoma: a 30-year study of 99 cases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Osteoblastoma is a rare, bone-forming neoplasm accounting for 1% of primary bone tumors. It arises in young patients and develops in long bones and posterior elements of the spine. Osteoblastoma is characterized by interconnecting trabeculae of woven bone and rimmed by prominent osteoblasts. In the current study we characterize osteoblastoma by its demographic and anatomic prevalence. We looked at rates of recurrence as related to treatment.

METHODS: We performed a review of our institution's Orthopaedic Oncology tumor registry and identified 99 verified cases of osteoblastoma treated between 1974 and 2006. Data related to demographic, anatomic, surgical treatment and follow-up information were analyzed.

RESULTS: The cohort included 69 males and 30 females with an average age of 24 +/- 14 years. The most common sites of occurrence were the vertebral column (28 patients) and the humerus (21 patients). The tumors were treated with en bloc surgical resection or curettage with allograft or autograft. Local recurrence rate was 24% and most followed curettage and packing. No patient died of disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Osteoblastoma frequently affects the long bones and the spine. The recurrence rate following curettage is relatively high and can be minimized by resective surgery, in select cases.