Wellcorticated

Wellcorticated is a radiologic term used to describe a lesion or abnormality in bone that is bordered by a smooth, continuous, dense cortex on imaging. A wellcorticated margin indicates the presence of mature cortical bone around the lesion, typically reflecting a slow-growing process or a healing state in which bone has remodelled to form a defined boundary.

In practice, a wellcorticated border is most commonly associated with benign or nonaggressive processes. It suggests that the lesion has existed for some time, allowing the periosteum and cortex to form a defined boundary. It is frequently seen in benign bone lesions such as enchondromas, fibrous cortical defects (non-ossifying fibromas), simple bone cysts, osteochondromas, and healing fracture callus. However, it is not definitive, and malignant lesions or infections may occasionally present with a corticated margin, especially in atypical locations or in certain phases of disease.

Radiographs are usually the first modality to assess cortication; computed tomography can provide a clearer view of cortical continuity and the integrity of the lesion border, while MRI can evaluate surrounding marrow and soft-tissue involvement. The overall interpretation should consider patient age, lesion location, growth rate, and clinical symptoms; any ill-defined or destructive features would warrant further investigation.

In sum, wellcorticated describes a smooth, well-defined cortical rim around a bone lesion or abnormality, a feature that frequently, but not always, supports a benign or healing process.