Introduction: Osteoid osteoma of cervical spine is a rare clinical entity and accounts for 4% of cases of overall spinal osteoid osteoma. It has predilection for neural arch and complete resection is difficult task due to proximity to important neurovascular structures. Incomplete resection leads to recurrence in about 4.5% of patients. Computed tomography (CT)-based navigation may aid in resection of tumor without compromising stability, but whenever it inevitable fusion is mandatory.
Case report: We report two cases of osteoid osteoma of cervical spine managed with surgical excision. Case1 had recurrence of tumor at the left C6 pedicle after minimally invasive intervention that was later managed by surgical excision with the help of CT-guided navigation. Case 2 had osteoid osteoma of the right C4 lateral mass that was treated with surgical excision and fusion.
Conclusion: Osteoid osteoma is a rare pathology in cervical spine. Surgical excision of cervical osteoid osteoma is a daunting task due to the proximity to neurovascular structures. Recurrence though less often is the result of inadequate excision.
Keywords: Osteoid osteoma; cervical spine; recurrence; surgical excision.