Response of Recurrent Aggressive Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of Distal Tibia to Denosumab Treatment

• Published in: Journal of orthopaedic case reports 2024-06, Vol.14 (6), p.157-162
• Main Authors: Ahmed, Hassan A, Almasoudi, Eid A, Nail, Louis-Romée Le, Samargandi, Ramy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 2250-0685; 2321-3817
• DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i06.4538

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are aggressive and benign tumors that primarily affect children and adolescents. The standard course of treatment for ABCs involves surgical excision or curettage with a bone transplant or cement to repair the deficiency. Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits receptor activator of nuclear kappa B ligand, is used to treat osteoporosis, skeletal metastasis, and giant cell tumors of the bones. This case study details the therapeutic treatment of a female patient, age 22, who had a recurring aggressive ABC of the distal tibia. The patient was initially treated using curettage and lesion filling. However, recurrence of the osteolysis was observed 9 months later that led to subsequent interventions involving absolute alcohol sclerotherapy in multiple sessions. However, these interventions failed to achieve ossification. Following unsuccessful surgical and sclerotherapy treatments, the patient was administered denosumab, which led to a positive response. Regular radiographic and clinical follow-up demonstrated significant improvements in ossification and pain reduction. During the course of the 12-month treatment, the frequency of visits was gradually reduced. Further, follow-up and monitoring revealed the effectiveness of the local control and long-term treatment. This case report highlights the ability of denosumab to manage recurrent aggressive ABCs after surgical or sclerotherapy failure.