An Uncommon Presentation of an Uncommon Bone Tumor: A Case Study of a Pathologic Fracture of an Intertrochanteric Aneurysmal Bone Cyst

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, destructive lesion characterized by a expansile fluid-filled cystic structure primarily affecting children and young adults. Common treatment modalities include arterial embolization, curette, intralesional injections and en bloc resection with instrumentation placement. We present the case of a 22-year-old patient presenting to the emergency department with an ABC in the intertrochanteric region of the right femur and a minimally displaced pathologic femoral neck fracture. Open biopsy with curettage, bone grafting and cephalomedullary nailing were performed with fracture stabilization and favorable recovery. Reports of these lesions presenting with pathologic fracture are scarce. We discuss treatment modalities and guidelines for ABCs and pathological fractures. Future studies are needed to assess clinical guidelines for the management of ABCs and pathological fractures.