Solitary bone cyst in a 57-year-old woman - A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Solitary Bone Cysts (SBC) are rare, benign cystic lesions typically found in long bones in children and adolescents. Diagnosis is primarily made through X-ray and other radiological methods. Treatment options vary from observation to surgical procedures depending on each case. This case highlights the importance of recognizing SBC as a potential cause of mild skeletal discomfort in older patients, even in atypical locations.

Case presentation: This paper documents the case of a 57-year-old woman with a SBC in her proximal tibia with minimal symptoms. Diagnosis was made based on X-ray imaging and MRI, and surgical intervention was the chosen course of treatment given the weight-bearing nature of the tibia. Follow up X-ray showed adequate results and healing.

Discussion: SBCs primarily affect the proximal femur and humerus of children and adolescents with a male predominance. Given these patterns, the presence of an SBC in the proximal tibia of a 57-year-old woman is highly unusual. Unlike typical cases, where SBCs are often asymptomatic or present with fractures, X-ray and MRI in this case showed a segmented cyst without a fracture. Treatment may include observation, decompression, curettage. In our case and, curettage and bone grafting were performed.

Conclusion: This report aims to emphasize the importance of considering SBCs as a potential cause of skeletal mild pain or articular discomfort in older patients, even in less common sites, thereby expanding the clinical understanding and approach to diagnosing SBCs.

Keywords: Case report; Curettage; Simple bone cyst; Solitary bone cyst; Surgical treatment; Unicameral bone cyst.

Fig. 1

Anteroposterior X-ray image of the patient's right knee showing the cyst.

Fig. 2

Coronal and transverse MRI images of the patient's right leg showing and measuring the cyst.

Fig. 3

Operative X-ray images that show the supportive metal plate and bolts placed before the curettage.

Fig. 4

Microscopic images showing the pathology study of the cyst.

Fig. 5

Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray images of the patient's knee three months after the follow-up surgery.