- Dwarka, ND and Gurugram , Haryana, India
Dr. Ratnav Ratan, one of the leading orthopedists, offers treatment of bone cysts in Gurgaon, Delhi.
Bone cysts are spots filled with fluid within the bone. They commonly occur in children and adolescents and, though non-cancerous, can weaken the surrounding bones and lead to fractures.
Most bone cysts go away on their own over time, while some are detected through imaging tests when screening for other conditions.
There are often no specific symptoms, and children or adolescents may not complain of pain or discomfort.
Comprehensive treatment of bone cysts in Gurgaon, Delhi is provided by Dr. Ratnav Ratan, a leading pediatric and sports orthopedic surgeon with nearly 13 years of experience.
Aneurysmal bone cysts occur in adolescents. They are areas of bones that are filled with either blood or fluid. Adolescents may complain of swelling and pain in these areas. Diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cysts is done through a CT scan and a biopsy.
Bone cysts can weaken the bone and increase the risk of fracture
Unicameral bone cysts are found in large bones such as the humerus or near the growth plate, usually in very young growing children. Over time, these cysts decrease in size and disappear on their own.
There are two types of unicameral cysts: active cysts that are in contact with the growth plate and latent cysts that are not in contact with the growth plate.
A fibrous cortical defect is located on the cortex or outer edge of the bone. This defect occurs in the lower limbs and resolves on its own.
A non ossifying fibroma (NOF) is yet another benign tumor occurring in the lower limbs of children aged between 5 – 15 years.
It refers to a fibrous area in the bone that has failed to develop into a hard bone, but it is not painful and resolves on its own.
Nonossifying fibroma is a benign bone lesion often seen in growing children
A fibrous cortical defect is another bone lesion occurring on the outer edge of the bone and resolves on its own.
The exact causes of bone cysts are unclear. However, several theories relate to their occurrence.
Patients with unicameral bone cysts do not usually complain of pain or discomfort, especially if the cysts are small. However, patients with larger cysts and those located near the growth plate may complain of:
If aneurysmal bone cysts are located on the vertebrae, the spine and central nervous system may also be affected. Patients may complain of headaches, shooting pains, numbness, and muscle weakness.
Most cysts are discovered after a bone injury, especially a fracture. This revelation happens after an X-ray or similar imaging test is performed. The fracture could occur because the bone has been weakened by 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 may suggest an MRI or CT scan to identify the type of cyst, whether aneurysmal or unicameral, as both are treated differently. A biopsy may also be performed if needed.
The treatment approach is determined on various factors such as:
Small-sized bone cysts do not require treatment and are observed closely. If the cyst is slightly larger, there is a risk of fracture and surgery may be performed to reduce this risk.
In case of a fracture through the cyst, the fracture may heal on its own and surgery may not be required initially. However, if the cyst remains even after the fracture heals, surgery may be suggested to prevent recurrence of fracture.
Regular observation and imaging help monitor bone cyst changes over time
Primarily, observation of the cysts is recommended, especially in unicameral cysts. The pediatric surgeon may take X-rays at regular intervals to track changes in the cyst.
The doctor may suggest changes in activity to reduce fracture risk, especially in highly active sports, along with regular medical checkups. These modifications should continue until the cyst resolves and the child attains full growth.
In case of painful and/or larger-sized cysts, the treating orthopedic surgeon recommends surgery. The location of the cyst is also a reason for surgical removal.
The surgeon may perform an aspiration and injection procedure. First, needles are inserted into the cyst to drain the fluid. The cyst is then injected with special medicines to prevent recurrence. These injections may be spread over a few months if required.
Curettage and bone graft may also be performed. In this procedure, the surgeon aspirates the cyst, scrapes it out of the bone, and fills the hole using a bone graft from a donor or the patient’s own body. A bone cement mixture may also be used to fill the space.
Both aspiration/injection and curettage/bone graft procedures are usually done under general anesthesia and as outpatient procedures. Patients can generally go home on the same day after a few hours of observation.
The size, location, and treatment determine the recovery time after the procedure. Usually, patients take almost 3 to 6 months to recover.
Patients and their family members should follow the recovery protocol suggested by the doctor for the best outcomes.
It is possible for unicameral bone cysts to recur at the same location. Early treatment may relate to recurrence patterns.
The doctor may suggest regular follow-ups and X-rays to monitor any reappearance of the bone cyst.
Bone cysts cease to grow once the child attains full growth.