Bone cysts are bags of fluid that form inside the joints. They occur in the subchondral bone, the layer of bone just below the cartilage.
Description
- Subchondral cysts appear to be precursors of osteoarthritis.
- Osteoarthritis causes the progressive breakdown of cartilage and bones in a joint.
- Subchondral cysts are usually found in the hip joint.
- Subchondral means under the cartilage and refers to the fluid-filled cavities in the bone that lie under the cartilage.
- Subchondral cysts are often part of the degenerative process of the joint and occur when there are ruptures in the cartilage of the joint.
- Subchondral cysts are considered one of the four cardinal radiologic findings of osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis also causes cysts to form on the bone joints.
Risk factors
- Sex – more common in women
- Genetic predisposition – appears to be more common in those who have an affected family member
- Alignment and Shape of the Joints – Poor alignment of the joint will cause more friction in some places, which increases the chances of cysts forming.
- Obesity – excess weight puts extra strain on the joints of the body, increasing the risk of joint problems.
- Smoking – tobacco contains chemicals that contribute to cartilage damage. Some research has shown that male smokers with osteoarthritis experience greater loss of cartilage.
- Joint injuries
Therapeutic approach
- Low impact activities.
- Weight management.
- Stop smoking.
- Ultrasound therapy.
- Physical therapy.
X-ray
