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Post-traumatic cyst-like lesion of cortical bone in children

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Abstract

Post-traumatic cyst-like lesions are an infrequent complication of fractures in children. To our knowledge, no more than 30 cases have been reported in the English-language literature. They most commonly affect the distal radius following a greenstick or torus fracture. These cortical defects are often asymptomatic, non-expansile, and typically resolve spontaneously in 1–3 years. They appear proximal to the compression site and are usually identified 2–4 months after a minor fracture. These lesions have a distinct appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with intralesional fatty marrow, which may help to differentiate it from other bone lesions. We review the literature and present 3 more cases studied with plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and MRI. Post-traumatic cyst-like lesions require no treatment, and therefore recognition of its typical features is crucial to prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal

    Gonçalo Freire, Rita Cruz, Maria Helena Valentim & P. Diana Afonso

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal

    Teresa Granate Marques

Authors
  1. Gonçalo Freire
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  2. Rita Cruz
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  3. Maria Helena Valentim
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  4. Teresa Granate Marques
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  5. P. Diana Afonso
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gonçalo Freire.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Freire, G., Cruz, R., Valentim, M.H. et al. Post-traumatic cyst-like lesion of cortical bone in children. Skeletal Radiol 48, 167–174 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-018-2993-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-018-2993-6

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