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Comparing treatments for simple bone cysts in children

Simple Bone Cysts in Kids (SBoCK)

Phase 3 Interventional The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT02193841

This study is testing which treatment works better for simple bone cysts in children: one that uses a curettage and puncture alone or one that adds an injection of Vitoss morsels.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other
Locations25 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 24 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02193841 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two common treatments for simple bone cysts (SBCs) in children, specifically curettage with puncture alone versus curettage with puncture followed by injection with Vitoss morsels. SBCs are fluid-filled cysts that commonly occur in the long bones of children and can cause pain and functional limitations. The study will assess the rate of radiographic healing, identify prognostic factors associated with healing and fractures, and evaluate the impact of SBCs on children and their families. By utilizing a network of surgeons and researchers, the trial seeks to provide evidence-based insights into the best treatment options for SBCs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children with a confirmed simple bone cyst in a long bone who have not received treatment in the last three months.

Not a fit: Patients with underlying bone diseases or those with cysts crossing the growth plate may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment options for children suffering from simple bone cysts, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While few randomized clinical trials have focused on simple bone cysts, this study aims to fill a gap in the existing literature and provide valuable comparative data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a confirmed simple bone cyst in a long bone (ie. arm or leg) within last 3 months
* At least 3 weeks must have elapsed since last fracture
* At least 3 months must have elapsed since last cyst treatment
* Patients and/or their legal representatives willing to provide written informed consent (and assent, when appropriate)
* Patients with stabilizing implants in the bone where the cyst is located

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with bone disease (ie. osteogenesis imperfecta, cancer, osteoporosis, Paget's disease)
* Pregnant or breastfeeding female
* Patients with cysts crossing the growth plate (area where bone grows)

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 24 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Bone CystSimple bone cystUnicameral bone cyst
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.