ANEURYSMAL BONE-CYSTS IN CHILDHOOD

The authors have analysed a series of aneurysmal bone cysts (A.B.C.) i n children and adolescents which were reviewed at an average follow-up of 4 years 2 months (6 months - 15 years). The average age at diagnos is was 8 years (3 - 19 years). Pathological fractures were the main re ason for consultation, probably due to the predominance of central les ions. If conventional radiology remains indispensable to diagnosis, ma gnetic resonance imaging is nevertheless the most important examinatio n in determining the extent of the affection. The diagnosis remains an atomopathological, even if this may be difficult due to associated les ions (A.B.C. illness and A.B.C. symptoms). In long bones lesions, we o bserved recurrence after curettage in 3 out of 7 cases. For this reaso n the recommend simple resection or reconstructive resection rather th an curettage whenever possible. 5 lesions in contact with growth plate were observed. In such cases we recommend its conservation by careful curettage, especially in young children. We feel that subsequent recu rrence is easier to treat than an epiphysiodesis bridge. The surgical techniques employed to conserve the plate are described along with met hods of bone reconstruction after surgery.