Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Masquerading as Unknown Mandibular Metastatic Deposit causing Pathological Fracture

From Volume 34, Issue 4, May 2007 | Pages 230-234

Authors

Robert Goddard

BDS, MBBS, FDS RCS(Eng), AFRCS

Maxillofacial SpR, London Deanery

Articles by Robert Goddard

Neha Patel

BDS MFDS RCS(Ed) Dip DSed BSc (Hons)

Maxillofacial SHO, King's College Hospital, Caldecot Road, London, SE5 9RW, UK

Articles by Neha Patel

Abstract

The following is a case presentation of an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) associated with a pathological fracture and coincidental finding of anaemia of unknown cause. The non-pathognomonic, extensive, mandibular, multilocular radiolucency, together with anaemia, raised the possibility of a neoplastic process. This case highlights clinical manifestations of ABC, as well as difficulties encountered in its diagnosis. The uncommon and potentially troublesome complication of a pathological fracture was treated by ensuring good reduction. Successful bone healing occurred despite the fixation period being significantly less than one month.

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