Differential diagnosis of bone cysts of long tubular bones of the extremities in children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bone cysts are characteristic tumor-like bone lesions occurring in childhood. Overall, they represent 21% to 57% of all benign tumors and tumor-like bone lesions in children. Clinical and X-ray symptoms of aneurysmal and simple bone cysts are similar. Like some other, often occurring, benign bone lesions, such as enchondromas, giant cell tumors, fibrous dysplasia, and metaphysical fibrosis defects.
 AIM: This study aims to identify the main clinical and instrumental characteristics of simple and aneurysmal bone cysts that allow us to differentiate them from some similar destructive bone neoplasms (enchondromas, giant cell tumors, fibrous dysplasia, and metaphysical fibrosis defects) and to develop indications for various diagnostic surgical interventions.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the results of the survey of 206 patients aged 3 to 18 years who were treated at our facility from 2000 to 2015 was performed. The features of the diagnostic tactics and their effectiveness were rated.
 RESULTS: The main clinical and instrumental diagnostic criteria have been established. They enable the differentiation of bone cysts from some similar benign bone lesions at the pre-morphological stage. The indications for diagnostic surgical interventions have been formulated.
 CONCLUSION: The main difficulties in the differential diagnosis of bone cysts and some similar benign bone lesions have been revealed. An algorithm for applying various diagnostic surgical interventions in patients with these diseases has been proposed.