Cementation of primary aneurysmal bone cysts

The effects of polymethylmethacrylate (bone cement) on the local control of primary aneurysmal bone cysts excluding spinal lesions were analyzed. After intensive curettage of the lesions, 30 patients underwent a bone graft, and 35 patients had the defect packed with bone cement. After cementation (median time lapse, 4.5 months), 30 of 35 patients underwent a cancellous bone graft after removal of the packed bone cement. The followup period ranged between 24 and 161 months (median, 59.5 months). The local recurrence rate after curettage and cementation was 17% and after curettage and bone graft was 37%. The difference of the cumulative 10-year relapse free survival between patients of both groups was significant. The median time between surgery and local recurrence was 17 months (range, 2-90 months).