Aneurysmal bone cyst masquerading as unknown mandibular metastatic deposit causing pathological fracture.

UNLABELLED

The following is a case presentation of an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) associated with a pathological fracture and coincidental finding of anaemia of unknown cause. The non-pathognomonic, extensive, mandibular, multilocular radiolucency, together with anaemia, raised the possibility of a neoplastic process. This case highlights clinical manifestations of ABC, as well as difficulties encountered in its diagnosis. The uncommon and potentially troublesome complication of a pathological fracture was treated by ensuring good reduction. Successful bone healing occurred despite the fixation period being significantly less than one month.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

An awareness of the potential differential diagnoses of pathological mandibular fractures is important.