The safety and clinical outcomes of elastic intramedullary nailing in treatment of unicameral bone cysts of the humerus in children | ||||
| The Egyptian Orthopaedic Journal | ||||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 04 June 2025 | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/eoj.2025.372771.1028 | ||||
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| Author | ||||
Hesham Ali  
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| Minia University | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background: The primary objectives of treatment of unicameral bone cysts are reducing the risk of pathological fracture, promoting cyst healing, and easing pain. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of elastic intramedullary nailing in treating patients with unicameral bone cysts. Patients and Methods: Between Jan 2016 and May 2022, 14 patients with unicameral bone cysts were treated with elastic intramedullary nails. Nine patients had symptoms including mild pain and local tenderness. Five children presented with pathological fractures at the location of the cyst. Diagnosis was confirmed by X-ray, CT, or MRI. Six cysts were found in the metaphysis, while 8 cysts were in the metaphysio-diaphyseal area of the proximal humerus. At the time of surgery, the patients' ages ranged from 7 to 12, with an average of 9 years. The length of follow-up varied between 18 and 30 (mean, 21.14) months. The Capanna criteria were used to evaluate the radiographs. Results: Based on the radiological assessment conducted by Capanna et al., total 10 cysts were observed to have healed completely (Grade I), while 4 cysts exhibited healing with residual radiolucent areas on radiographs, each measuring less than 3 cm (Grade II). All patients demonstrated excellent functional outcomes and successfully resumed their sporting activities. There were no instances of refracture, and no additional procedures were required. Conclusion: Elastic intramedullary nailing encourages prompt stabilization, facilitates early mobilization, and decreases the likelihood of a pathological fracture, allowing for a rapid return to functional activities. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| unicameral bone cysts; elastic intramedullary nailing; children | ||||
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