The "rising bubble" sign: a new aid in the diagnosis of unicameral bone cysts

Skeletal Radiol. 2009 Jun;38(6):597-600. doi: 10.1007/s00256-009-0685-y. Epub 2009 Mar 14.

Abstract

The observation of a bubble of gas at the most non-dependent margin of a lytic bone lesion which has sustained a pathologic fracture implies that the lesion is hollow and can assist the radiologist in making the diagnosis of a unicameral bone cyst. The imaging studies of two patients who sustained pathologic fractures through unicameral bone cysts and exhibited the "rising bubble" sign are shown. The sign's basis, proper utilization, and potential pitfalls are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Cysts / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Cysts / pathology*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*