From the Guidelines
Simple bone cysts in children typically manifest as painless swellings or masses, often in the proximal humerus or femur.
Clinical Presentation
- Clinical presentation may include pathological fractures, with a fracture rate of up to 50%
- Mild to moderate pain, which may be exacerbated by activity
Radiographic Evaluation
- Radiographic evaluation typically reveals a well-defined, unicameral cystic lesion with a thin cortical rim The provided evidence does not specifically discuss the manifestations of simple bone cysts in pediatric patients, however, based on general medical knowledge, simple bone cysts are known to be a common cause of pathological fractures in children, particularly in the proximal humerus or femur 1.
From the Research
Manifestations of Simple Bone Cysts in Pediatric Patients
The manifestations of simple bone cysts (unicameral bone cysts) in pediatric patients can be understood through various studies that have investigated the treatment and outcomes of this condition.
- Location and Demographics: Simple bone cysts are commonly found in the long bones of children, particularly in the proximal humerus and femur 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The mean age of patients with simple bone cysts is around 9-11 years, with a range of 4-17 years 2, 4, 5.
- Symptoms and Complications: The main concerns with simple bone cysts are the risk of pathological fracture and symptomatic malunion 3, 6. Patients may experience pain and limited mobility due to the cyst 3, 5.
- Treatment Options: Various treatment options are available for simple bone cysts, including steroid injections, curettage and bone grafting, aspiration and bone marrow transplantation, internal preventive fixation, and use of synthetic bone substitutes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Outcomes and Recurrence: The success rate of treatment varies depending on the method used, with steroid injections showing a satisfactory outcome in some studies 2, 5. However, recurrence rates can be high, ranging from 21.4% to 50% 4, 5.
- Long-term Outcome: Long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, as some studies have shown that simple bone cysts can resolve spontaneously between adolescence and adulthood 6.