OSTEOBLASTOMA: A RARE CASE IN A CHILD

To report a rare occurrence of osteoblastoma involving the left lateral thoracic wall, lateral segments of the ribs and the underlying lung with consequent deformation of the respective ribs. Microscopic features showed hypercellular large epithelioid osteoblasts in a fibrovascular stroma with osteoid formation.The mean age incidence of osteoblastoma is 20.4 years. In our case, a rare presentation of osteoblastoma was seen in the first decade. The child was admitted with a 1-year history of increasing back pain and radiculopathy. The child was evaluated with X-rays, computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Cases involving the spine. Osteoblastoma occurs most commonly in males (M:F, 2.5:1). The most common area of involvement is the cervical spine followed by the lumbar spine. Posterior elements of the vertebrae are commonly involved.