Radiolucent Lesions of the Extremities.

Abstract

There are numerous conditions that produce a radiolucent lesion in a bone. Many of these are benign and of little consequence and need only occasional observation, as they usually heal spontaneously. A few are benign but do not heal spontaneously and require a limited operation. Others are malignant and must be removed surgically or irradiated. The physician evaluating the radiolucent lesion must be able to distinguish lesions that should be observed from those that should be further evaluated or treated. It is unnecessary to evaluate every radiolucent lesion as if it were a malignant tumor. With an understanding of the potential lesions and how they present, it is possible to construct an algorithm that can be used to organize an efficient and appropriate evaluation.