Bone cyst: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Bone cyst
| image          = [[File:Bonecyst2010.JPG|left|thumb|X-ray of a bone cyst]]
| caption        = X-ray of a bone cyst
| field          = [[Orthopedics]]
| synonyms        = Unicameral bone cyst, simple bone cyst
| symptoms        = Often asymptomatic, may cause pain or swelling
| complications  = [[Pathological fracture]]
| onset          = Typically in children and adolescents
| duration        = Can persist for years
| causes          = Unknown
| risks          = [[Growth plate]] involvement
| diagnosis      = [[X-ray]], [[MRI]], [[CT scan]]
| differential    = [[Aneurysmal bone cyst]], [[Fibrous dysplasia]], [[Osteosarcoma]]
| treatment      = Observation, [[curettage]], [[bone grafting]], [[steroid injection]]
| prognosis      = Generally good, may resolve spontaneously
| frequency      = Rare
}}
{{Short description|An overview of bone cysts, their types, causes, and treatments}}
{{Short description|An overview of bone cysts, their types, causes, and treatments}}
==Bone cyst==
==Bone cyst==
A '''bone cyst''' is a fluid-filled cavity within a bone that can cause weakening of the bone structure. Bone cysts are often discovered incidentally on [[X-ray]]s taken for other reasons, as they may not cause any symptoms. However, they can lead to [[pathological fracture]]s if the bone becomes too weak.
A '''bone cyst''' is a fluid-filled cavity within a bone that can cause weakening of the bone structure. Bone cysts are often discovered incidentally on [[X-ray]]s taken for other reasons, as they may not cause any symptoms. However, they can lead to [[pathological fracture]]s if the bone becomes too weak.
 
[[File:Bonecyst2010.JPG|left|thumb|X-ray image showing a bone cyst in the femur]]
[[File:Bonecyst2010.JPG|thumb|right|X-ray image showing a bone cyst in the femur]]
 
==Types of bone cysts==
==Types of bone cysts==
Bone cysts are generally classified into two main types:
Bone cysts are generally classified into two main types:
===Unicameral bone cyst===
===Unicameral bone cyst===
A '''unicameral bone cyst''' (UBC), also known as a simple bone cyst, is a benign, fluid-filled cavity that typically occurs in the long bones of children and adolescents. These cysts are most commonly found in the [[humerus]] and [[femur]].
A '''unicameral bone cyst''' (UBC), also known as a simple bone cyst, is a benign, fluid-filled cavity that typically occurs in the long bones of children and adolescents. These cysts are most commonly found in the [[humerus]] and [[femur]].
===Aneurysmal bone cyst===
===Aneurysmal bone cyst===
An '''aneurysmal bone cyst''' (ABC) is a blood-filled cyst that can expand and cause bone destruction. Unlike unicameral bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts can occur in any bone and are more aggressive. They are often found in the [[spine]] and [[pelvis]].
An '''aneurysmal bone cyst''' (ABC) is a blood-filled cyst that can expand and cause bone destruction. Unlike unicameral bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts can occur in any bone and are more aggressive. They are often found in the [[spine]] and [[pelvis]].
==Causes==
==Causes==
The exact cause of bone cysts is not well understood. Unicameral bone cysts are thought to result from a blockage in the [[bone marrow]]'s blood supply, leading to fluid accumulation. Aneurysmal bone cysts may arise from a pre-existing lesion or trauma, but the precise mechanism is unclear.
The exact cause of bone cysts is not well understood. Unicameral bone cysts are thought to result from a blockage in the [[bone marrow]]'s blood supply, leading to fluid accumulation. Aneurysmal bone cysts may arise from a pre-existing lesion or trauma, but the precise mechanism is unclear.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
Bone cysts often do not cause symptoms and are found incidentally. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
Bone cysts often do not cause symptoms and are found incidentally. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
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* Swelling
* Swelling
* Pathological fractures
* Pathological fractures
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Bone cysts are typically diagnosed using imaging techniques such as [[X-ray]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]]. These imaging modalities help determine the size, location, and type of cyst.
Bone cysts are typically diagnosed using imaging techniques such as [[X-ray]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]]. These imaging modalities help determine the size, location, and type of cyst.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
The treatment of bone cysts depends on the type and severity of the cyst. Options include:
The treatment of bone cysts depends on the type and severity of the cyst. Options include:
* '''Observation''': Small, asymptomatic cysts may be monitored with regular imaging.
* '''Observation''': Small, asymptomatic cysts may be monitored with regular imaging.
* '''Aspiration and injection''': Fluid can be aspirated from the cyst, and a corticosteroid or bone marrow can be injected to promote healing.
* '''Aspiration and injection''': Fluid can be aspirated from the cyst, and a corticosteroid or bone marrow can be injected to promote healing.
* '''Surgical curettage and bone grafting''': For larger or symptomatic cysts, surgical removal of the cyst lining and filling the cavity with bone graft material may be necessary.
* '''Surgical curettage and bone grafting''': For larger or symptomatic cysts, surgical removal of the cyst lining and filling the cavity with bone graft material may be necessary.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for bone cysts is generally good, especially for unicameral bone cysts, which often resolve with treatment. Aneurysmal bone cysts may require more aggressive treatment and have a higher recurrence rate.
The prognosis for bone cysts is generally good, especially for unicameral bone cysts, which often resolve with treatment. Aneurysmal bone cysts may require more aggressive treatment and have a higher recurrence rate.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Bone tumor]]
* [[Bone tumor]]
* [[Pathological fracture]]
* [[Pathological fracture]]
* [[Orthopedic surgery]]
* [[Orthopedic surgery]]
[[Category:Bone disorders]]
[[Category:Bone disorders]]

Latest revision as of 19:09, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Bone cyst
X-ray of a bone cyst
Synonyms Unicameral bone cyst, simple bone cyst
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Often asymptomatic, may cause pain or swelling
Complications Pathological fracture
Onset Typically in children and adolescents
Duration Can persist for years
Types N/A
Causes Unknown
Risks Growth plate involvement
Diagnosis X-ray, MRI, CT scan
Differential diagnosis Aneurysmal bone cyst, Fibrous dysplasia, Osteosarcoma
Prevention N/A
Treatment Observation, curettage, bone grafting, steroid injection
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good, may resolve spontaneously
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


An overview of bone cysts, their types, causes, and treatments


Bone cyst[edit]

A bone cyst is a fluid-filled cavity within a bone that can cause weakening of the bone structure. Bone cysts are often discovered incidentally on X-rays taken for other reasons, as they may not cause any symptoms. However, they can lead to pathological fractures if the bone becomes too weak.

X-ray image showing a bone cyst in the femur

Types of bone cysts[edit]

Bone cysts are generally classified into two main types:

Unicameral bone cyst[edit]

A unicameral bone cyst (UBC), also known as a simple bone cyst, is a benign, fluid-filled cavity that typically occurs in the long bones of children and adolescents. These cysts are most commonly found in the humerus and femur.

Aneurysmal bone cyst[edit]

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a blood-filled cyst that can expand and cause bone destruction. Unlike unicameral bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts can occur in any bone and are more aggressive. They are often found in the spine and pelvis.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of bone cysts is not well understood. Unicameral bone cysts are thought to result from a blockage in the bone marrow's blood supply, leading to fluid accumulation. Aneurysmal bone cysts may arise from a pre-existing lesion or trauma, but the precise mechanism is unclear.

Symptoms[edit]

Bone cysts often do not cause symptoms and are found incidentally. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Pain in the affected area
  • Swelling
  • Pathological fractures

Diagnosis[edit]

Bone cysts are typically diagnosed using imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. These imaging modalities help determine the size, location, and type of cyst.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of bone cysts depends on the type and severity of the cyst. Options include:

  • Observation: Small, asymptomatic cysts may be monitored with regular imaging.
  • Aspiration and injection: Fluid can be aspirated from the cyst, and a corticosteroid or bone marrow can be injected to promote healing.
  • Surgical curettage and bone grafting: For larger or symptomatic cysts, surgical removal of the cyst lining and filling the cavity with bone graft material may be necessary.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for bone cysts is generally good, especially for unicameral bone cysts, which often resolve with treatment. Aneurysmal bone cysts may require more aggressive treatment and have a higher recurrence rate.

See also[edit]