Ossified upper thoracic intradural mature teratoma in a teenager – A technical case report with special emphasis on surgical strategy

Abstract

Spinal teratomas are heterogeneous neoplasms and are extremely rare in the upper thoracic spine. They are sub-classified as mature, immature, omalignant. They may be calcified or rarely ossified; the latter posing a major surgical challenge due to surgical difficulties in safe removal. Clinico-radiologico-pathological and operative experience of ossified spinal intradural mature teratomas is extremely rare. We present a case of ossified uppethoracic intradural mature teratoma managed by microsurgical drilling and resection under neuromonitoring.