Patellar pathologic fracture secondary to aneurysmal bone cyst. A case report

Aneurysmal bone cyst is a tumor-like lesion which accounts for about 1% of all biopsied tumors and tumor-like lesions of bone. We report an extremely rare case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the patella in an 18-year-old patient revealed by a pathological fracture. The unexpected appearance of a pathological fracture affects the whole therapeutical management. However, in the case of a welt-preserved articular surface, curettage and corticocancellous grafting are considered to be successful methods of treatment for aneurysmal bone cyst of the patella, as revealed in our study. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.