A pneumatocyst is gas-filled space within a bone.
Intraosseous pneumatocysts can occur in:
(1)vertebral spine, including the sacrum
(2) ilium
(3) clavicle
(4) rib
(5) scapula
(6) acetabulum
These may be found incidentally or associated with:
(1) pain
(2) bone fracture
Imaging findings:
(1) well-defined area of lucency on plain radiograph, with thin sclerotic margin
(2) normal surrounding bone and soft tissue
(3) no contrast enhancement
The diagnosis requires exclusion of pathologic causes of intraosseous gas collection.
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Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic
