Bone Cysts Treatment in Gurgaon, Delhi
Dr. Ratnav Ratan, one of the leading orthopedist offers treatment of bone cysts in Gurgaon, Delhi. Bone cysts are spots filled with fluid within the bone. Bone cysts occur in children and adolescents. Though non-cancerous, these cysts weaken the surrounding bones leading to fractures. Though most of them go away on their own over time, few can be detected through imaging tests when being screened for other conditions. There are no specific symptoms as such related to bone cysts and hence children or adolescents do not complain of pain or discomfort.
Comprehensive Treatment of Bone Cysts in Gurgaon, Delhi is done by Dr. Ratnav Ratan, a leading pediatric and sports orthopedic surgeon with nearly 13 years of experience.
Types of bone cysts
1. Aneurysmal Bone Cysts
Aneurysmal bone cysts occur in adolescents. They are areas of bones that are filled with either blood or fluid. The adolescents could complain of swelling and pain in these areas. Diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cysts is done through a CT scan and a biopsy.
2. Unicameral Bone Cysts
Unicameral bone cysts are found in large bones eg. the humerus or near the growth plate usually found in very young growing children. Over time, these cysts decrease in size and disappear on their own.
There are two types of unicameral cysts viz. active cysts that are in contact with the growth plate. These cysts can also grow in size and cause damage to the growth plate, deformity, and discrepancies in limb length. On the other hand, latent cysts are not in contact with the growth plate, and with the bone growth, the distance between both of them increases.
3. Fibrous Cortical Defects
A fibrous cortical defect is located on the cortex or the outer edge of the bone. This defect occurs in the lower limbs. It is a non-cancerous bone lesion and resolves on its own as soon as it occurs.
4. Nonossifying Fibroma
A non ossifying fibroma (NOF) is yet another benign tumor occurring in the lower limbs of children aged between 5 – 15 years. It is likely majority of the children have a non ossifying fibroma during their growing years.
A non ossifying fibroma refers to the presence of a fibrous area with the central location of the bone. That area of the bone has failed to develop into a hard bone. However, it is not painful and the fibroma resolves on its own.
5. Fibrous Cortical Defects
A fibrous cortical defect is yet another bone lesion occurring on the cortex or the outer edge of the bone. It occurs in the lower extremities and resolves on its own.
Causes of Bone Cysts
The exact causes of bone cysts are unclear. However, there are several theories relating to its occurrence viz.
Unicameral bone cysts occur on account of
- The inability of the developing bone to drain out the fluid which leads to the collection of fluid in the bone.
- As an outgrowth of the growth plate or due to abnormal pockets of tissue surrounding the joints.
An aneurysmal bone cyst could be because of abnormalities in the blood vessels due to earlier injuries or growth leading to blood retention.
Symptoms of bone cysts
Patients with bone cysts – unicameral cysts do not complain of pain or discomfort especially if their cysts are small in size. However, patients with larger cysts and those located near the growth plate can complain of
- Pain
- Immobility
- Unusually bent limb
- Discoloration of the skin
Symptoms of Aneurysmal bone cysts
- The gradual dull ache that increases over time.
- Deformity in bones
- Warm skin on touch
- Reducing mobility
If the aneurysmal bone cysts are located on the vertebrate, the spine and central nervous system are also affected. Patients with aneurysmal bone cysts complain of
- Headaches
- Shooting pains
- Numbness
- Muscle Weakness
Diagnosis of Bone Cysts
Most cysts are discovered after a bone injury especially a fracture. This revelation happens after an x-ray or a similar imaging test is performed. The fracture could occur due to a weak bone on account of the cyst within it.
It is advisable to approach Dr. Ratnav Ratan, a leading orthopedist for the treatment of bone cysts in Gurgaon, Delhi. If required, he will suggest an MRI or a CT Scan is to identify the type of the cyst i.e. whether they are aneurysmal or unicameral bone cysts as both of them are treated differently. If required, a biopsy is also performed.
Treatment of Bone Cysts
The treatment approach is determined on various factors such as –
- Size of the cyst
- The strength of the bone
- The activity level of the patient
- Symptoms experienced by the patient.
Small Sized Bone Cysts do not require treatment. They are merely observed more intently. If the cyst is slightly larger then there is a risk of fracture. Surgery is performed to reduce the risk of fracture.
In case of a fracture through the cyst, then the fracture will heal on its own and no surgery is required. However, if the cyst is present even after the fracture is healed then surgery is suggested to prevent the recurrence of the fracture.
Nonsurgical Treatment of Cysts
Primarily, observation of the cysts is recommended especially in unicameral cysts. The pediatric surgeon in Delhi may take x-rays at regular intervals to track the changes in the cyst.
The doctor may suggest changes in activity to reduce the risk of fracture especially in participating in very active sports along with medical checkups at regular intervals to observe the changes in the cyst. These modifications should be observed till the cyst resolves and the child attains full growth.
Surgical Treatment of Bone Cysts
In case of painful and/or larger-sized cysts, the treating orthopedic surgeon recommends surgery.
The location of the cysts is yet another reason for their removal through surgery.
The treating orthopedic surgeon performs an aspiration and injection procedure. First, the surgeon will insert needles into the cyst to drain the fluid from the cyst followed by injected it with special medicines to prevent its recurrence. If required, administration of these injections is spread over a few months.
Curettage and bone graft – In the curettage procedure the orthopedic surgeon aspirates the cyst and scrapes it out of the bone. Then, the surgeon fills up the hole using a bone graft which could be from a donor or the patient’s body. Also, a bone cement mixture is used to fill up the hole.
Both these procedures are done under general anesthesia and as outpatient procedures. Also, the patients can go home on the same day after a few hours of the procedure.
Recovery from Bone Cysts
The size, location, and treatment determine the recovery time after the procedure. Usually, patients take almost 3 to 6 months to recover. The patients and their family members should follow the recovery protocol as suggested by the doctor for best outcomes.
Recurrence of Bone Cysts
It is very much possible that the unicameral bone cysts recur at the same location. Early treatment of the bone cysts does relate to their recurrence. Also, the doctor may suggest regular follow-ups and x-rays with regards to the reappearance of the bone cysts. The bone cysts cease to grow once the child attains full growth.
