The aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a destructive bone lesion that has many cystic-like cavities filled with blood. According to Dr Andrew Creager of Duke University, aneurysmal bone cyst represents only 1 percent of primary bone tumors. Most of the patients who have an aneursymal bone cyst are less than 20 years of age. The aneursymal bone cyst is treated surgically or with embolization, blocking off the blood supply to the lesion.
Location
The common locations for an aneurysmal bone cyst are the distal femur, proximal tibia, pelvis and posterior spine. The distal femur is the bone that makes up the top part of the knee, and the proximal tibia makes up the bottom part of the knee joint.
Symptoms
The aneurysmal bone cyst presents typically as pain and swelling only. Fracture is not the normal way that the aneursymal bone cysts is diagnosed, but rather a rare initial presentation. Neurologic symptoms can occur if the lesion is on the spine and compressing any part of the nervous system.
Surgical Curretage Treatment
Common treatment for an aneurysmal bone cyst is by curettage and bone grafting. The term curettage refers to surgically scraping out the components in the cystic structure. The cystic structure post-curretage is then filled in with bone graft. Agents such as phenol can be used on the cyst after the curettage to help prevent recurrence.
Local Recurrence Treatment
Treatment for a local recurrence of the treatment after initial surgical curettage is a repeat curettage and bone grafting procedure. Sometimes, if the bone is not necessary as in the top part of the fibula, the bone can be removed.
Embolization
Pelvic and spinal lesions can be treated by blocking off the blood supply to the aneursymal bone cyst. This procedure is known as embolization. An embolization can be the primary treatment or may be done in conjunction with surgery.
References
- "AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review"; Dr. Jay Lieberman (editor); 2008.
- "Am J Clin Pathol": Fine needle aspiration in 23 patients with clinical and radiologic correlation.
