An Unusual Case of Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of Proximal Phalanx in a 2 Year Old Child

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Oncology
• Skeletal Radiology

Background:

• Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are rare, rapidly growing, destructive benign bone tumors.
• ABCs in the tubular bones of the hand, particularly in the pediatric population, are exceptionally uncommon.
• Optimal treatment strategies for aneurysmal bone cysts remain a subject of debate in medical literature.

Observation:

• A case involving a 2-year-old child with an aneurysmal bone cyst in the proximal phalanx of the middle finger was treated at a tertiary care hospital.
• Diagnostic confirmation involved pre-operative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), and post-operative histopathology.
• The treatment consisted of surgical curettage of the lesion followed by autologous bone grafting.

Findings:

• The patient underwent a 4-week immobilization period with a short below-elbow slab, followed by a structured physiotherapy regimen.
• Post-treatment follow-up revealed excellent radiological and functional recovery.
• Crucially, there was no evidence of recurrence five years after the initial treatment.

Implications:

• This case highlights the efficacy of curettage and autologous bone grafting as a successful treatment modality for pediatric aneurysmal bone cysts in the hand.
• The findings suggest that this surgical approach can lead to long-term, favorable outcomes, including functional restoration and absence of recurrence.
• Further research into standardized treatment protocols for such rare pediatric bone tumors is warranted to address existing controversies.