The Hospital for Sick Children
Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are cysts filled with fluid that occur most frequently in the long bones (arms or legs) of children. There are many ways to treat SBCs but it is unclear if one is better than another. The purpose of this research trial is to compare the effectiveness of two common treatments that are used by surgeons today.
In general, few randomized clinical trials have been undertaken in paediatric orthopaedics, and only one to date has addressed the problem of simple bone cysts (SBCs). Also known as unicameral bone cysts, they are the commonest bone lesion in children. Despite general opinion, these cysts do not resolve at skeletal maturity. Many forms of treatment have been recommended but none, including the popular methods of corticosteroid or bone marrow injections, have reliably eradicated SBC. Although the lesions are considered benign (non-cancerous), they cause pain, frequently interfere with function…
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a confirmed simple bone cyst in a long bone (ie. arm or leg) within last 3 months * At least 3 weeks must have elapsed since last fracture * At least 3 months must have elapsed since last cyst treatment * Patients and/or their legal representatives willing to provide written informed consent (and assent, when appropriate) * Patients with stabilizing implants in the bone where the cyst is located Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with bone disease (ie. osteogenesis imperfecta, cancer, osteoporosis, Paget's disease) * Pregnant or breastfeeding female * Patient…
A curette will be inserted to scrape the contents of the cyst (curettage) and a hole in the cyst wall will be made (puncture) near the bone marrow cavity
A small surgical instrument with a rounded edge designed for scraping
A bone substitute intended for use as a filler for voids or gaps in bones