Prophylactic curettage and internal fixation for a benign cystic lesion of the proximal femur: A case report

Abstract

Unicameral bone cyst (UBC) is a benign, expansile, non-neoplastic bony lesion characterized by spaces that are separated by fibrous septae. These sometimes may threaten the architectural strength of the proximal femoral trabaecular arrangement because of the destructive effect of the cyst on the bone and the propensity to develop into a pathological fracture, especially under the influence of weight-bearing. We report a case of a solitary bone cyst in the proximal femur in a 15 year old girl, which was treated with curettage, synthetic bone grafting and prophylactic internal fixation with a dynamic hip screw (DHS). At 2 years follow-up, the lesion had completely healed and patient was pain-free and without any deformity. We suggest this method of treatment to be ideal for UBCs at this site, especially in the skeletally immature.