Analysis of risk factors for postoperative wound healing in children with bone cysts

BACKGROUND: Bone cysts are common benign bone tumour-like lesions in children and adolescents. Postoperative wound healing complications significantly affect patient outcomes. Current research primarily focuses on cyst recurrence and bone healing, while studies targeting risk factors for poor postoperative wound healing in children are relatively scarce. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort analysis included 99 children with bone cysts who were hospitalized and underwent surgical treatment between January 2021 and September 2025. We analyzed these data in November 2025. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the association of demographic, lesion characteristics and surgery-related variables with poor wound healing. CONCLUSION: Inadequate perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (either no administration or a single preoperative dose only), physeal involvement of the lesion and prolonged operative time are independent risk factors for poor postoperative wound healing in children. Standardizing antibiotic protocols and identifying high-risk patients based on lesion anatomical characteristics are crucial for reducing the risk of complications.