Ossifying Fibroma of the Cervical Spine: First Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a benign tumor commonly occurring in the mandible and maxilla. Spinal involvement of OFs is of great rarity. To the best of our knowledge, only 3 cases in the thoracic and lumbar spine have been reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 22-year-old woman with an OF of the atlas, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first described OF in the cervical spine. The related data were also reviewed. Only 3 spinal OFs involving the thoracic spine to the sacrum have been reported. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal involvement of OFs seldom occurs. To the best of our knowledge, we have reported the first OF involving the cervical spine. Differentiating OFs from primary spinal tumors is necessary. OFs have locally aggressive behavior and a high risk of recurrence. Complete resection, followed by regular examinations, should be the ideal choice for treatment.