[Solitary bone cyst in childhood: form of presentation and course in 13 cases]

The authors describe 13 cases of solitary bone cyst in children of both sexes, ages 4 5/12 to 12 4/12 years. Ten patients were males. In eight cases the lesions were located in the humerus, three in the femur, one in the tibia and another in the phalanx of the foot. Pathological fracture was the most frequent initial symptom. The characteristic radiological image of the cyst allows the distinction of other bone lesions and is usually enough for the diagnosis. In 8 cases treatment consisted of intracystic injections of methylprednisolone acetate. In three cases relapse was observed.