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From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst

by Robert Steffner, MD; Raffi S. Avedian, MD; Terrance D. Peabody, MD

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally aggressive bone tumor that most frequently involves the long bones of the extremities, pelvis, and the posterior elements of the spine. ABCs comprise 1% to 6% of all primary bone tumors and have an overall prevalence of 0.32 per 100,000 individuals. There is an equal prevalence among genders, and the median age at presentation is 11.1 years. The true etiology and natural history of ABCs are not well understood, but there is consensus that thorough intralesional curettage and removal of the entire tumor must be performed to minimize the risk of local recurrence. Other treatment options include en bloc excision, selective arterial embolization, external beam radiation therapy, and curettage with locally applied adjuvant therapy, such as argon beam coagulation, liquid nitrogen, phenol, or hydrogen peroxide.

Keywords: ABC, primary aneurysmal bone cyst, primary ABC, benign neoplasm of bone, secondary aneurysmal bone cyst, secondary ABC, giant cell tumor, osteoblastoma, angioma, chondroblastoma, selective arterial embolization, intralesional curettage

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