Treatment of bone cysts with methylprednisolone acetate. A 9 to 11 year follow-up.

The long-term results are reported of the treatment of bone cysts by means of the injection of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) into the bony cavity using Scaglietti's technique. Eighteen patients were reviewed at a follow-up of 9-11 years from the beginning of the treatment. The results confirm the value of this technique and show a high percentage of recovery. During the growth period, a recurrence of osteolytic activity in the lesion may be observed after complete healing, though this does not happen frequently. In these cases further prompt treatment with MPA injected into the small osteolytic areas brings about their complete resolution. These observations lead us to conclude that a bone cyst can never be considered completely healed before complete skeletal maturity is reached. Regular radiological reviews must be carried out in order to recognise and treat promptly the first signs of a recurrence of cystic activity.