Traumatic bone cyst

Traumatic Bone Cyst

A Traumatic Bone Cyst (TBC), also known as a Simple Bone Cyst or Unicameral Bone Cyst, is a benign, non-neoplastic, intraosseous lesion of the bone. It is characterized by a cavity in the bone that is usually devoid of epithelial lining. The etiology of TBC is not fully understood, but it is often associated with trauma or injury to the bone.

Etiology

The exact cause of TBC is unknown, but it is believed to be related to trauma or injury to the bone. Some theories suggest that it may be caused by an interruption in the normal bone growth process, while others propose that it may be due to a local disturbance in bone metabolism. Despite the name, a history of trauma is not always present in patients with TBC.

Clinical Features

TBCs are most commonly found in the long bones, particularly the femur and humerus, but can also occur in the jawbone. They are more common in children and adolescents, with a peak incidence between the ages of 10 and 20 years. Patients with TBC often present with pain, swelling, and a history of fracture. In some cases, the cyst may be discovered incidentally during radiographic examination for other conditions.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of TBC is usually made based on clinical and radiographic findings. On radiographs, TBC appears as a well-defined, radiolucent lesion with a thin, sclerotic border. The cyst is usually solitary and centrally located within the bone. Additional imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to further characterize the lesion and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

The treatment of TBC typically involves surgical intervention. The most common procedure is curettage of the cyst, followed by bone grafting. In some cases, the cyst may resolve spontaneously without treatment. The prognosis for TBC is generally good, with a low recurrence rate after treatment.

See Also

• Bone tumor
• Bone cyst
• Fibrous dysplasia
• Osteochondroma