Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2005:25:69-74.

Unicameral bone cysts of the pelvis: a study of 16 cases

Sommer Hammoud  1 , Kristy Weber, Edward F McCarthy
Affiliations

Unicameral bone cysts of the pelvis: a study of 16 cases

Sommer Hammoud et al. Iowa Orthop J. 2005.

Abstract

Unicameral bone cysts of the pelvis are extremely rare. This study summarizes the clinical, radiologic and pathologic features of 16 cases. Patients ranged in age from nine to 69. Most lesions were in the anterior portion of the iliac wing; many appeared to be related to an open iliac crest apophysis. This suggests that the pathogenesis of unicameral bone cysts in this portion of the ilium is similar to that seen in the proximal humerus and the proximal femur. The correct diagnosis was made preoperatively in only five cases. This indicates that, although they are well documented, unicameral bone cysts of the pelvis remain a diagnostic problem. Patients received a spectrum of treatments from curettage to observation. There appeared to be no difference in the outcome after any form of treatment. Therefore, unicameral bone cysts of the pelvis can be managed conservatively. The choice to manage patients conservatively depends on making the correct diagnosis based on clinical history and imaging. The most effective imaging is a combination of plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g. consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/ licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Plain radiograph of a unicameral bone cyst of the iliac wing from patient number one. This lesion occupies most of the iliac wing and was asymptomatic.
Figure 2
Figure 2
This unicameral bone cyst of the left ilium from patient number two has a faint sclerotic rim (arrows).
Figure 3
Figure 3
A unicameral bone cyst in the posterior portion of the ilium from patient number nine showing a multi-locular appearance. These internal markings are ridges on the inside of the cavity and suggest healing.
Figure 4
Figure 4
A unicameral bone cyst (arrow) from patient number seven in the right iliac wing showing changes suggestive of healing.
Figure 5A
Figure 5A
CT scan of the left ilium of patient number six showing a lesion with a single intralesional ridge. There is minimal expansion of the bone.
Figure 5B
Figure 5B
CT scan of a unicameral bone cyst in the posterior portion of the ilium from patient number ten. Internal marking suggest healing.
Figure 6
Figure 6
T2–weighted MRI scan of the unicameral bone cyst of patient number 15. There is uniformly high signal throughout much of the iliac wing. This high signal represents fluid, and there is no cortical expansion or fluid-fluid line.
Figure 7
Figure 7
A low-powered photomicrograph (H&E, x20) of the fibrous membrane curetted from a pelvic unicameral bone cyst. Some reactive bone is present in the membrane (arrow).
Figure 8
Figure 8
A high-powered photomicrograph (H&E, x40) of the fibrous membrane. There is fluffy, cementum-like material in the wall. This material is highly characteristic of unicameral bone cysts.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Mirra JM, Bernard GW, Bullough PG, Johnston W, Mink G. Cementum-like bone production in solitary bone cysts (so-called "cementoma" of long bones). Report of three cases. Electron microscopic observations supporting a synovial origin to the simple bone cyst. Clin Orthop. 1978;135:295–307. - PubMed
    1. Virchow R. Ueber die bildung von knochencysten. Monatsber d Kgl Akad D Wissenschaften. 1876. Jun 12, Sitzung der Phisikalischen-mathemat Klasse vom 12 Juni, 1876.
    1. Bloodgood JC. Benign bone cysts, osteitis fibrosa, giant cell sarcoma and bone aneurysm of the long pipe bones. A clinical and pathological study, with the conclusion that conservative treatment is justifiable. Ann Surg. 1910;52:145. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Jaffe H, Lichtenstein L. Solitary unicameral bone cyst. Arch Surg. 1942;44:1004.
    1. Boseker E, Bickel W, Dahlin D. A Clinicopathologic Study of Simple Unicameral Bone Cyst. Surg Gynec and Obstet. 1968;127:550–560. - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources