What is Aspiration and Injection of Bone Cyst: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition & Overview

Aspiration and injection is one treatment option offered to those diagnosed with bone cysts. Aspiration involves the removal of fluid buildup while injection refers to the introduction of bone marrow or steroid solution into the cyst cavity to promote bone growth.

A bone cyst is a type of lesion that can occur anywhere in the skeletal system. It is characterised by a hole that develops inside a bone and is often filled with fluid. Occasionally, a cyst can also be empty. Though this condition can occur among adults, it is more common among children and young adults. Bone cysts are typically benign and do not progress into malignancy. Mostly asymptomatic, they can only cause health problems if they have become large and impact the bone’s integrity and strength. Some cysts are discovered accidentally, when bones get fractured even during a minor injury.

There are three types of bone cysts, namely:

• Simple bone cysts, which typically occur in proximal humerus or femur, where the metaphysis of the long bones are located
• Aneurysmal bone cysts, which typically occur in the legs, pelvis, spine, or upper arms. The bone where the aneurysmal cyst grows usually contains blood, thus the name.
• Traumatic bone cysts, which are usually associated with the jaw or the mandibles and develop as a result of trauma. They may contain fluid or can be completely empty.

Apart from aspiration and injection, other treatment options considered for bone cysts include curettage and bone grafting, as well as adjuvant cryotherapy, sclerotherapy, selective arterial embolisation, and ethibloc injections. The goals of noninvasive techniques in treating bone cysts are to preserve the bone structure, avoid injury to its overlying muscles, and minimise any disruption to the blood supply.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

This procedure is typically offered to patients diagnosed with a unicameral or simple bone cyst. There are no known causes for this condition. A unicameral bone cyst can either be active or latent. If a paediatric patient is diagnosed with this type of bone cyst, the physician typically advises a wait-and-see approach, especially if the cyst is relatively small, does not impact the patient’s well-being, and is not in contact with a growth plate. However, a large-sized cyst may cause pain and discomfort, warranting treatment.

Patients who are suffering from an active unicameral bone cyst are often advised to undergo aspiration and injection. This type of cyst is usually in contact with a growth plate. It increases the bone’s risk for fracture since the cyst can cause brittleness and bone weakness. A bone cyst is sometimes manifested as a bump that is unsightly to look at. Young adults and older patients could also undergo aspiration and injection of bone cyst if the condition has a significant impact on their quality of life. Examples of these effects include the formation of bone deformity or uneven length of limbs.

This procedure helps control the growth of bone cyst to preserve bone strength and integrity. Among children, where the incidence of cyst recurrence is higher, aspiration and injection provides a method of managing the condition over an extended period of time. There is also a high rate of healing following this type of treatment, as lesions are typically resolved. Bone strength is also regained as new bone cells develop in spaces where the fluid was aspirated.

Patients are typically discharged on the same day of the procedure. They need to rest for several days, especially if the affected bones are located in the limbs. In most cases, patients have to schedule several treatment sessions of injecting bone marrow or steroid after aspirating the fluid buildup inside the cyst. They also need to monitor the affected bone and check if the lesion has regressed.

Despite the potential of recurrence, this condition typically resolves itself as the patient gets older and the bones stop growing.

How is the Procedure Performed?

The patient is placed under general anaesthesia and the site over the planned aspiration is sanitised with an antiseptic solution. Using fluoroscopy, the surgeon determines the location of the cyst as well as thinnest part of the bone cyst that the needle can easily penetrate. With imaging guidance, a long needle is then inserted percutaneously until the cyst is reached. The fluid is then suctioned off through the needle using a vacuum inside the syringe. A contrast material is then introduced into the cyst cavity to check if it has smaller chambers still filled with fluid. The physician would then proceed to drain these compartments, if present. This step could be repeated several times until the cyst cavity is empty of the fluid. The surgeon could also disrupt the lining of the cyst using a specialised surgical tool called a trocar. A needle could also be used for this purpose. The procedure is repeated if there are other cavities identified in the bone. If blood is mixed in the aspirated fluid, a sample may be sent to the laboratory for further examination.

For bone marrow injection, the surgeon aspirates or harvests bone marrow from the anterior iliac crest, located near the hipbone. Using a separate needle, the bone marrow is then injected into the bone cyst. The amount of bone marrow injected is equal to the exact amount of fluid aspirated from the cyst. The physician should take care to fill the cavity completely, as studies indicate that incomplete filling of the chest cavity contributes to recurrence.

In cases when bone marrow is not available or is not indicated, steroid could be used as replacement. The surgeon slowly injects a dosage of methylprednisolone into the cavity. Once filled, the needle is withdrawn, and the procedure is complete. A small bandage can be used to cover the injection site. No dressing is required.

Possible Risks and Complications

The patient could develop adverse reactions to anaesthesia. The procedure could cause delayed bone growth as a result of injuring the growth plate. The cyst can recur in the same bone location or could develop in adjacent areas. Some patients experience angular deformity following the procedure.

References:

• Canale ST. Aneurysmal bone cyst within benign tumors of bone. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Year-Book; 1998. Vol 1: 690.

• Bullough PG, Vigorita VJ. Aneurysmal bone cyst within benign non-matrix-producing bone tumors. Orthopaedic Pathology. 3rd ed. Baltimore, Md: Mosby-Wolfe; 1997. 402-4.

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**What ⁣is ⁢Aspiration and Injection of‌ Bone Cyst?**



**Overview:**



Bone cysts are fluid-filled cavities within ‌the bone, often caused by⁣ trauma or ​underlying conditions.⁢ Aspiration and injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat bone cysts, involving removal of the⁣ fluid and introduction of bone-stimulating substances into the cyst cavity.



**Procedure:**



1. **Aspiration:** A needle is inserted into the cyst under imaging guidance to aspirate (remove) the fluid.

2. **Injection:** ⁤The following substances may⁣ be injected into the cyst cavity to stimulate bone growth and healing:

– Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)

‌ – Demineralized bone matrix (DBM)

– Autologous blood



**Benefits:**



* **Pain relief:** Reduces pain ⁢associated with the cyst by removing pressure ​on surrounding ⁢tissues.

* **Accelerated⁣ healing:** Promotes bone regeneration and speeds up the healing process.

* **Improved bone strength:** Bone-stimulating substances enhance ​bone growth and restore structural ‍integrity.

* **Minimally invasive:** Procedure is performed with minimal incisions⁣ and​ does ⁣not require open surgery.

* **Day surgery:** ‌Typically performed as a day procedure under local anesthesia.



**Expected Results:**



After the⁣ procedure, the cyst cavity gradually ‌fills with new bone tissue. The following expected ‌results can be observed:



* **Bone cyst resolution:** The cyst cavity gradually disappears as bone growth replaces the fluid.

* **Reduced pain:** Pain associated with ⁤the cyst subsides as bone healing progresses.

* **Improved mobility:** Restored bone strength ⁢allows⁣ for better range of motion and mobility.

* **Safe and effective:** Aspiration and injection is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for bone​ cysts.



**Key Considerations:**



* **Appropriate candidates:** The procedure⁢ is recommended for uncomplicated bone cysts in ‌accessible locations.

* **Success rates:**‌ Success rates are high, with studies reporting >80% cyst resolution within 6-12 months.

* **Potential complications:** Minor⁢ complications,​ such as bleeding or infection, are ⁢rare.

* **Recovery time:** Recovery ‍time varies depending on the size and location⁢ of the cyst, but usually involves a period of rest and limited activity.