What it is
Many cysts heal by themselves as a child grows. Larger cysts, or ones that weaken the bone, may need treatment.
Treatment can include injections into the cyst or surgery to scrape it out and fill it with bone graft.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms
- A bone that breaks after a minor injury
- Mild pain or swelling over the bone
How it is usually diagnosed
- X-ray
- MRI or CT to look at the cyst in detail
- Biopsy occasionally, to rule out other causes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- X-ray and MRI reports
- Orthopaedic letters
- Operation notes if treated
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is the bone at risk of breaking?
- Does it need treatment or just monitoring?
- Which activities are safe for now?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Severe pain and being unable to use the limb after an injury
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.