| Aneurysmal Bone Cysts |
Aneurysmal Bone Cysts (ABC’s) are Benign tumors of bone often affecting children or young adults. These tumors are commonly located about the knee or near the shoulder. They tend to cause expansion and thinning of the bone and frequently even fracture (break) in the bone that is affected. Physical examination and X-rays are normally adequate to suggest the diagnosis. They have a "bubbly" appearance on X-ray and MRI.
Physical appearance, X-ray and MRI of an ABC of the lower leg bone.
These tumors can often be seen in conjunction with other benign tumors (such as Giant Cell Tumor , or Chondroblastoma ). ABC’s are consisted multiple loculated caverns of blood.
During surgery, tumor is removed & the bone is grafted. Treatment consists of scraping the tumor out of the bone and filling the resulting defect with either bone graft or bone cement.  Postoperative X-ray shows consolidation and healing of the bone. The recurrence rate with ABC’s can be as high as 20%, therefore, we continue watching patients following surgery with X-rays for possible recurrence. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 12 November 2007 ) | ||||||
