Intraosseous epidermoid cysts of the hand skeleton: a series of eight patients

Abstract

This paper reviews the clinical and radiographic features and treatment results in eight patients with intraosseous epidermoid cysts in the terminal phalanx of a finger seen over a period of 26 years. Data on age, sex, occupation, diagnostic findings, history of injury in six cases, treatment and follow-up were obtained by reviewing medical records and the histopathological findings using the hospital database. The most frequent symptoms of pressure pain, tenderness, redness and swelling occurred at a median time of 12 years after trauma. Male patients were mainly affected (7:1). In four the intraosseous epidermoid cysts were confused with other osteolytic diseases before surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging is recommended in any case of an osteolytic, expanding lesion, particularly in cases that are clinically and radiologically not obviously an intraosseous epidermoid cyst.