Surgical treatment of a lumbar aneurysmal bone cyst using percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

Purpose: Aneurysmal bone cysts of the lumbar spine are usually treated by curettage followed by bone or bioactive ceramics grafting. Here, we present the first case of an aneurysmal bone cyst of the lumbar spine treated by percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).

Methods: We describe the clinical characteristics of the patient including the radiological and pathological findings of the tumor and the surgical technique used.

Results: A 15-year-old boy presented with low back pain, and he was diagnosed with an aneurysmal bone cyst of the L3 vertebra based on radiological findings, including plain radiograph, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The technique and equipment of PELD were used to perform curettage of the tumor cavity and fill it with hydroxyapatite granules. The skin incision was only 8 mm. The patient was discharged 1 day postoperatively and could walk without assistance. The postoperative course was uneventful and the symptoms improved following surgery.

Conclusion: Endoscopic surgery via PELD can be a treatment option for ABCs of the lumbar spine.