Brown tumors are classic skeletal manifestations of hyperparathyroidism usually seen in severe forms with subperiosteal bone resorption. They are exceedingly rare at the spine. We report the case of a woman on hemodialysis who developed two brown tumors, including one at the spine, as the first manifestations of secondary hyperparathyroidism. There were no neurologic manifestations. The clinical and radiologic abnormalities resolved after parathyroidectomy preceded by a bisphosphonate infusion to prevent possible spinal lysis progression during the immediate postoperative period. In addition to the location of one of the brown tumors at the spine, unusual features in this case were the explosive onset of hyperparathyroidism and the absence of detectable subperiosteal resorption. We also suggest that bisphosphonate therapy given before parathyroidectomy may be useful in patients with spinal brown tumors.