Spinal Cord Injury due to the Giant Cell Tumor of the Second Thoracic Vertebra: A Case Report

Giant cell tumors (GCT) are rare bone tumors that infrequently affect the spine. This paper presents a case of an adolescent female who experienced upper back pain and sudden lower extremity weakness, later diagnosed with GCT of the T2 vertebra. The patient initially presented with AIS D (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale), indicating incomplete motor function below the injury level. Following surgery, radiation therapy, and rehabilitation, the patient's condition improved to AIS E, signifying normal sensory and motor functions. This case highlights the importance of considering tumors in adolescent patients presenting with upper back pain and neurological changes, even in the absence of initial neurological signs, to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

• 1
  The patient presented with upper back pain and sudden weakness of the lower extremities due to a GCT on the T2 vertebra.
• 2
  Initial diagnosis was delayed due to the absence of neurological signs during the first visit for upper back pain.
• 3
  Following surgery, radiation therapy, and rehabilitation, the patient's neurological function improved from AIS D to AIS E.