Effect of Ethanol as an Adjuvant to Extended Curettage on Recurrence Rate of Unicameral Bone Cyst

Abstract

Abstract Background: To assess the efficacy of ethanol as an adjuvant in the treatment of unicameral bone cyst (UBC). Materials and Methods: Surgically treated patients with UBC lesion were reviewed. Definite treatment of UBC lesions was conducted using a combined four-step alcohol-using approach, consisted of curettage, burring, ethanol 96%, and electrocauterization of the lesion, consecutively. Results: Twenty-one patients (mean age 14, range: 2–30, male 62%) were followed from 1 to 10 years. Among 18 cases, only one recurrence was seen in a 5-year-old boy with UBC of the left calcaneus. Conclusions: Using ethanol as an adjuvant may be a good choice for treatment of UBC lesions.