Pathological fracture of the patella due to an atypical located aneurysmal bone cyst: verification by means of ultrasound-guided biopsy.

INTRODUCTION

We report on a rare case of an atypical located aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) in the patella presenting with pathological fracture after trauma.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Using all available diagnostic modalities and by means of ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy an unclear and suspected pathological fractured cystic bone lesion in the patella of a young man could be further clarified.

RESULTS

The acquired images suggested the diagnosis of a pathological fractured aneurysmal bone cyst after mild trauma. However, due to the extraordinary location and clinical presentation the diagnosis was secured by means of ultrasound-guided biopsy through a small cortical gap.

CONCLUSION

As shown in this rare case of an atypical aneurysmal bone cyst of the patella, the quite seldom but sometimes possible ultrasound-guided biopsy of intraosseous lesions can help to achieve the diagnostic clarification and should also be taken into account as a non-standard procedure.