Cyst-like lesions following fracture in a child - sonographic appearances

Abstract

Cyst-like lesions are a rare radiologic presentation following fractures in children. We report the case of a 3-year-old boy having three cyst-like lesions after a buckle fracture of his left radius that was diagnosed with digital radiography and CT scan. We also describe the lesions' ultrasonographic appearance, which has not been addressed in other studies. The keys to diagnosis depend on the clinical context and the radiologic appearance. The cyst-like lesions occur several weeks after a non-displaced fracture in an asymptomatic child. The radiologic appearance shows small, well-defined lucent lesions located near the fracture site, in the subperiosteal space and bone callus. Ultrasonography can be useful to confirm the subperiosteal location and to exclude adjacent soft-tissue abnormalities. In cases requiring further clarity, MRI can be performed to identify the fatty content and exclude osteomyelitis.

Keywords: Child; Computed tomography; Cyst-like lesion; Fracture; Radiography; Ultrasonography.