The Weight Bearing Capacity of the Femoral Neck with Solitary Bone Cyst

Abstract

SUMMARY The weight-bearing elements of the femoral neck are reduced to four components and compared with the clinical and X-ray findings of 34 cases of solitary bone cyst of the femoral neck: a) when the bone cyst has destroyed only one of the four components the spongiosa superior (Ss) or the spongiosa inferior (Si) — there is no reason for immobilization of the hip joint, and the patient is allowed to pursue his normal activity without any limitation. b) when the bone cyst has destroyed both Ss and Si, but the cortical superior (Cs) and the inferior (Ci) are preserved immobilization is not required, but the patient must take care to avoid trauma and violent exercises. c) when the bone cyst has destroyed or reduced not only the structure of Ss + Si but also Cs or Ci immobilization is immediately needed as an absolute rule.