Outcomes in Unicameral Bone Cyst Management Utilizing a Decision Tree Algorithm Approach

Abstract

Objective To determine if utilization of a decision tree algorithm could improve the healing rate of unicameral bone cysts (UBCs).

Methods Creation of the decision tree algorithm was based on previous literature and assessment of our clinical practice. Demographic, treatment, and radiographic data were collected retrospectively. Radiographic healing was determined using the Neer classification. Healing rate, as well as clinical/radiographic characteristics, were compared based on adherence to the treatment algorithm.

Results Forty-seven subjects were included. Mean age at initial surgery was 10.0 ± 3.3 years in children following the algorithm and 9.1 ± 3.2 years in those deviating from the algorithm (p = 0.393). Follow-up was found to be similar among those following the algorithm (37.5 ± 15.8 months) and those deviating from the algorithm (45.2 ± 24.6 months), p = 0.38. Children who followed the algorithm healed at a rate of 75%, while children who deviated from the algorithm healed at a rate 67% (p = 0.552).

Conclusions Although we reject our hypothesis that a decision tree algorithm for the management of UBCs in the pediatric population could improve the healing rate, we believe that we uncovered some utility in applying an algorithm to this pathology. Our algorithm was designed to minimize risk to the child and maximize healing with the least number of surgical events. Treating surgeons should consider this proposed pathway to determine the best treatment and to help families understand that these lesions rarely heal with a single-event surgery.

Zusammenfassung

Zielsetzung Auf der Grundlage früherer Literatur und unserer eigenen Erfahrung untersuchten wir, ob ein Entscheidungsbaum-Algorithmus einen guten Ansatz darstellt, um das Risiko bei Kindern mit Knochenzysten zu minimieren und die Heilung bei der geringsten Anzahl von chirurgischen Eingriffen zu gewährleisten.

Patienten und Methoden Die Studie schloss 47 Patienten ein, die entweder mit oder ohne Algorithmus behandelt wurden – mit einem anfänglichen Durchschnittsalter von 10,0 ± 3,3 bzw. 9,1 ± 3,2 Jahren (p = 0,393). Die Nachbeobachtungszeiten betrugen 37,5 ± 15,8 bzw. 45,2 ± 24,6 Monate (p = 0,38).

Ergebnisse Die Heilungsraten waren 75% mit Algorithmus und 67% ohne Algorithmus (p = 0,552; keine Signifikanz).

Schlussfolgerung Die Anwendung des Algorithmus hat zu keiner Verbesserung der Heilungsrate geführt, ist aber trotzdem von Nutzen bei pathologischen Überlegungen und bei Besprechungen mit den Familien der jungen Patienten.

Key words

unicameral bone cyst - decision tree - UBC

Schlüsselwörter

Entscheidungsbaum - Einkammerknochenzyste - UBC

Publication History

Article published online:
18 February 2021

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