Treatment options of simple bone cysts: the role of bone substitutes, growth factors and literature review

Abstract The solitary bone cyst is a typical tumor-like lesion of the immature skeleton, whose etio-pathogenesis is still unclear. The purpose of this work is to perform a review of the literature about the different surgical approaches focusing on the role of bone substitutes and growth factors. Literature analysis shows injection techniques of substances such as methylprednisolone, autologous bone marrow, demineralized bone matrix, calcium sulphate and surgical techniques that involve the resection and curettage associated with bone graft and/or intramedullary nailing. Although there are good results currently associated to these techniques and the different ways of treatment, the only evidence-based treatment is given by injections of steroids. However, given the high rate of failure, autologous bone marrow and platelet gel represent a viable therapeutic option.