Evolution of a Posttraumatic Femoral Head Bone Cyst: A Case Study and Surgical Management

Development of posttraumatic subchondral bone cysts without arthritis is infrequent. Subchondral cysts themselves are common, as they are classically a degenerative finding associated with osteoarthritis. However, subchondral cysts associated with microtrauma and no arthritis are uncommon, and there is little literature to guide surgical management of posttraumatic subchondral bone cysts, as they are often managed conservatively.10,11 Development of posttraumatic bone cysts in young patients within the weightbearing area of the femoral head presents a unique challenge, particularly in the absence of arthritis, and the best surgical treatment for isolated lesions remains controversial.1