Investigating Factors Influencing the Risk of Recurrence of Simple Bone Cysts: Retrospective Analyses of 41 Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Recurrence is a major challenge in the treatment of solitary bone cysts (SBC). In this study, we aimed to analyze the factors that influence the risk of recurrence in patients with simple bone cysts. Methods: The study included patients who underwent curettage and bone grafting for SBC between 2010 and 2021 at a single center. Data collected included age, sex, side, bone location, pathological fracture history, cyst activity, internal fixation, graft type, radiological features of the cyst (cyst index, cyst diameter ratio, cyst area and cyst length), follow-up time, and presence of recurrence. The Cox algorithm was applied to identify factors independently associated with SBC recurrence. Results: A total of 41 patients with a mean age of 10.8±3.19 years (range 4-15 years) were included in this study. The average follow-up period was 51±21.3 months. Recurrence was observed in 13 of 41 patients during follow-up. There were no significant differences in sex, bone location, pathological fracture history, and the type of graft used between patients with and without recurrence. The age at surgery was found to be significantly lower in the recurrence group (p=0.02). The radiological features of the cyst: cyst index, cyst diameter ratio, cyst area, and cyst length, were found to be higher in the recurrence group, although there was no significant difference. Conclusion: It is important to inform families that the risk of recurrence is high at a young age and in patients with large solitary bone cysts.

Keywords

• bone cyst
• diameter
• recurrence
• radiological features