Juxta-articular bone cyst

Juxta-articular bone cyst was first described as a distinct clinical entity by Hicks in 1956 and called "intraosseous ganglion". Hitherto, some 150 similar cases have been described. The cyst, which is usually solitary, occurs in the epiphysis near a weight-bearing joint in middle-aged persons. It may cause persistent pain but is easily overlooked on ordinary X-rays. The histogenesis is uncertain. Six patients treated by thorough curettage and autologous bone transplantation are presented. All achieved immediate relief from pain. Some theoretical aspects concerning the histogenesis are discussed.