Transient posttraumatic cystlike lesions of bone

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Pediatric Radiology
• Pediatric Bone Health

Background:

• Greenstick fractures are common in children.
• Cystlike cortical defects adjacent to fractures are occasionally reported.
• The pathogenesis and natural history of these lesions require further elucidation.

Observation:

• Two new cases of transient postfracture cysts are presented in children with distal radius greenstick fractures.
• Lesions appeared proximal to the fracture line, within subperiosteal new bone.
• The patients were aged 2.5 and 5.5 years.

Findings:

• These cystlike defects are typically asymptomatic.
• Complete resolution of the lesions is the usual outcome.
• No adverse effects on fracture healing were observed.

Implications:

• Transient postfracture cysts are a benign finding in pediatric fractures.
• Understanding their pathogenesis may clarify bone healing mechanisms.
• Further case reports can aid in defining the natural history of these rare lesions.