Curettage without bone grafting for a simple bone cyst in the capitate

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Bone cyst treatment

Background:

• Simple bone cysts in the capitate are rare but can cause pain and functional limitations.
• Traditional treatments may involve bone grafting, but less invasive options are being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of intralesional curettage without bone grafting for simple bone cysts in the capitate.
• To assess functional recovery and patient satisfaction after this surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 10 female patients (12 hands) aged 14-21 years who underwent curettage without bone grafting for capitate simple bone cysts.
• Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and modified Mayo wrist score.
• Self-reported measures included patient satisfaction, range of motion, and grip strength.

Main Results:

• Mean follow-up was 7.5 years. Mean DASH score was 12.3, and mean modified Mayo wrist score was 85 (excellent/good in all cases).
• All patients achieved bone union and preserved capitate height. Most patients reported no pain, with only two experiencing discomfort during strenuous activity.
• Significant improvements in range of motion and grip strength were observed in the majority of patients.

Conclusions:

• Intralesional curettage without bone grafting is a sufficient and viable treatment option for simple bone cysts in the capitate.
• This minimally invasive technique offers good functional outcomes and high patient satisfaction.