Eosinophilic granuloma of the cervical spine in children.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the cervical spine is recorded in six children, two of whom had neurological deficits. A flaccid monoparesis occurred in one child with a C5 arch lesion. Pyramidal tract signs were present in a patient with a defect at the atlanto-occipital joint. Cervical pain, restricted range of movement, torticollis, and tenderness were other presenting signs and symptoms and occurred in all except one patient. A lytic defect in the arch or centrum of a cervical vertebra was associated with this presentation. Treatment following biopsy consisted of immobilization and radiotherapy in a range of 450 to 750 rads. Cure was effected in all instances.