Simple bone cyst - humerus

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Right shoulder pain and immobility after a fall.

Patient Data

Age: 10 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Mildly expansile intramedullary lucent bone lesion is seen at the right humerus occupying its metaphysis and proximal diaphysis. It shows thinned cortex and multiple thin septae.

It shows multiple fracture lines involving the overlying cortices, in keeping with pathological fracture.

Case Discussion

X-Ray features are impressive of unicameral bone cyst with pathological fracture. It usually occurs in children and teenagers with predilection to proximal humeral metaphysis.

Pathological fracture is a recognized complication and may be the first presentation in some cases. Conservative treatment is usually sufficient.

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