Background and purpose
The optimal treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of using bone grafts shaped to the defects caused by ABCs of upper-limb bones.
Patients and methods
Totally, 15 patients (12 male and three female) with an average age of 12 years (range: 6–16 years) were treated for ABCs of upper-limb bones by intralesional resection, argon beam coagulation, and shaped bone graft. The grafts were harvested from 14 patients (11 fibulas and three iliac bones) and from the mother of one patient (proximal fibula). Osteosynthesis was required to stabilize the graft in four cases. The modified Enneking’s scoring system was used for functional evaluation.
Results
One patient developed partial recurrence at 6 months and required reoperation. Superficial wound infection was encountered in one patient. Shortening of the humeral segment was seen in two patients (1 and 1.5 cm) but without angular deformity. After a mean follow-up of 45 months (range: 24–68 months), the mean functional score was 97.3%.
Conclusion
This technique is reliable to obtain a well-reconstructed and growing bone with no or minimal deformity and good function.