Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of Third Metatarsal in a Young Child

Abstract

Background: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a relatively rare benign, locally expansile, hemorrhagic lesion. It accounts for 1% of all bone tumors. It predominantly involves long bones, pelvis and spine. ABC of metatarsal is relatively rare and very few case reports have been published in literature till date. Case Report: This study reports ABC of 3 rd metatarsal in a 5 year old boy, who presented with on and off pain and swelling in his right forefoot. X-ray revealed a lytic, expansile lesion with thin cortical rim in body of 3 rd metatarsal. Curettage of the lesion through a bony window was done and filled up with synthetic bone graft. Histopathology of the curetted sample revealed the diagnosis as ABC. Conclusion: The present study aims to describe a case of ABC of metatarsal, a condition that poses a diagnostic challenge and to establish the significance of radiological and histological examination for diagnostic accuracy.