Sacral Giant Cell Tumor Presenting as Low Back Pain in the Chiropractic Office: A Case Report

Abstract

Sacral giant cell tumors are a rare cause of low back pain and may be challenging to identify via routine clinical examination and radiography. A 47-year-old woman presented to a chiropractor with a one-month history of worsening low back pain with radiation to the posterior thighs, worsened with ambulation, and used a cane to walk. She previously saw an orthopedic surgeon and was diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis, having tried anti-inflammatory medications, exercises, and acupuncture without success. The chiropractor ordered lumbar magnetic resonance imaging which revealed an aggressive sacral lesion and referred the patient to an oncologist. The oncologist performed positron emission tomography/computed tomography and biopsy, confirming a sacral giant cell tumor. A surgical team recommended tumor resection, lumbosacral fusion, radiotherapy, and zoledronic acid infusion. Sacral giant cell tumors are rare and may be challenging to identify via routine radiography. These tumors are an important differential to consider for patients with unexplained lumbosacral symptoms unresponsive to care.