Clinical presentation of an adolescent female synchronized swimmer with a simple bone cyst in the proximal humerus: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: This case raises awareness for healthcare practitioners who may not suspect a simple bone cyst (SBC) in a pediatric athlete with a high risk of pathological fracture.

CASE SUMMARY: SBC's are often considered as asymptomatic lesions which are commonly found incidentally on plain film radiographs. Presented here is a case of a 14-year-old competitive synchronized swimmer with a SBC in the proximal humerus with no MRI evidence of soft tissue pathology or pathological fracture, presenting clinically with refractory posterior shoulder pain.

SUMMARY: Early detection of a SBC in a pediatric athlete is essential so an interdisciplinary care approach can be employed to ensure the appropriate management in those where there is high risk of pathological fracture. Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for the development of a pathological fracture, and for other potential complications that may arise thereafter in those with a SBC.