[4] An active cyst is adjacent to the epiphyseal plate and tends to grow until it fills the entire diaphysis, the shaft, of the bone; depending on the invasiveness of the cyst, it can cause a pathological fracture or even destroy the epiphyseal plate leading to the permanent shortening of the bone.

[1][3] Treatment options for unicameral bone cysts include invasive approaches such as injections, curettage and surgical fixation, and non-invasive procedures including observation to see if it does not get worse or resolves on its own, plaster casting or restricted activity.

[5] Most unicameral bone cysts do not cause any symptoms and are discovered as accidental findings on radiographs or CT scans made for other reasons.

[3] Cohen studied interstitial fluid in six children undergoing treatment for unicameral bone cysts.

Another is that the cysts result from problems with circulation that are caused by a developmental anomaly in the veins of the affected bone.

[10] Magnetic resonance imaging scans are used to identify the precise location of the cyst, to see how aggressive the disease is, and to determine the actual shape and size.

[4] The MRI uses a combination of magnets and radio-frequencies to produce various detailed, computerized images of the cyst and its surrounding body structures.

[5] The treatment can involve or incorporate one or more of the following surgical methods, which are performed by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon:[4] If a person needs to be treated with surgery, a standard surgical procedure would be called for; the person would be resting in Fowler's position, a semi-sitting position, under general anesthesia.

[11] The exact size, shape, and distance between the acromion to the midpoint of the cyst are measured by a digital radiograph or MRI scan.

[11] A small, longitudinal skin incision, about 1 cm long, is made at the center of the cyst.