What were the limitations of conventional medicine in treating the bone-cyst mentioned in the Satcharitra?

The story of the doctor's nephew in Chapter 34 clearly illustrates the limitations of conventional medicine when faced with a particularly difficult ailment. The boy's uncle was a qualified doctor, and he sought help from his physician friends and even expert surgeons, but they all felt helpless. The Satcharitra explicitly states that all native and foreign treatments were tried, and even surgery was attempted, but nothing succeeded. The bone-cyst was described as a "most difficult and extraordinary malady" that showed no improvement. This complete failure of all available medical expertise and procedures is what ultimately led the family to seek a spiritual solution from Sai Baba in Shirdi.