Risk of refracture through unicameral bone cysts of the proximal femur

The authors determined the results after traction or traction and hip spica treatment of the initial fractures through unicameral bone cysts of the proximal femur in 20 children. All of the eight displaced fractures healed, but with coxa vara and avascular necrosis in one, coxa vara in a second, and coxa breva in a third. Spontaneous healing of the cyst occurred in three of the eight children; satisfactory healing was achieved and maintained after intralesional corticosteroid injections in four of the eight children. In the remaining child with a displaced fracture, reactivation of the cyst and exercise-related pain, indicative of an incipient refracture, occurred 3 years after initial presentation. All of the 12 undisplaced fractures healed without deformity or avascular necrosis. Intralesional corticosteroids were used in all of the 12 children because none of them showed spontaneous healing of their cysts. Satisfactory radiographic healing was achieved 1 year after presentation in all of the 12 children. However, one or more refractures resulting from reactivation of the cyst occurred in 6 of the 12 children 2 to 5 years after initial presentation. The results of this study indicate that satisfactory radiographic healing needs to be achieved by the end of the first year and needs to be maintained thereafter to prevent refractures.