An Uncommon Cause of Cervical Pain in a Child: Osteoblastoma of the Cervical Spine

Osteoblastoma in children is a rare diagnosis of primary bone tumors. This case report describes a C5 osteoblastoma in a 12-year-old male patient with upper back and neck pain. While initial radiographs were unrevealing, CT and MRI showed an impinging left C5 pedicle mass, with neural foramina narrowing. Pathology reports confirmed an osteoblastic lesion without malignant characteristics. Infrequent occurrence of osteoblastoma and potentially inconclusive radiographs may lead to diagnostic delays. Thorough evaluation of back pain in pediatric patients is critical in promptly detecting osteoblastoma and other neoplasms.