Treatment of a solitary calcaneal cyst with endoscopic curettage and percutaneous injection of calcium phosphate cement

Allogenic Cancellous Bone versus Injectable Bone Substitute for Endoscopic Treatment of Simple Bone Cyst and Intraosseous Lipoma of the Calcaneus and Is Intraosseous Lipoma a Developmental Stage of a Simple Bone Cyst?

Simple bone cysts (SBCs) and intraosseous lipoma (IOL) of the calcaneus are rare tumor entities that are primarily diagnosed due to unspecific heel pain, incidental findings, or rarely due to pathological fractures. Compared to traditional open tumor resections, endoscopic resection of these benign tumors aims to minimize surgical morbidity and maximize surgical efficiency without compromising safety. Grafting is regularly performed to reduce the risk of recurrence and stimulate osseous consolidation of the lytic lesion. As the incidence is low and treatment strategies are heterogeneous, there is no clear consensus for the treatment of simple cysts or intraosseous lipomas of the calcaneus. The objectives of this study are (a) to present medium to long-term results after endoscopic resection and grafting with allogenic cancellous bone or bioresorbable hydroxyapatite and calcium sulfate cement, and (b) to add further evidence to the discussion of whether calcaneal SBC and IOL are the same entity at different developmental stages. Between 2012 and 2019, a total of 25 benign bone tumors consisting of 17 SBCs and 8 IOLs were treated by A.T. with endoscopic resection and grafting, comprising the largest cohort to date. For grafting, 12 patients received allogenic cancellous bone (group A) and 13 patients received injectable bone substitute (group B). Pre- and postoperative imaging using plain X-rays and MRI was retrospectively analyzed with a mean follow-up time of 24.5 months to assess tumor size, osseous consolidation (modified Neer classification), and tumor recurrence. A retrospective chart analysis focusing on adverse intra- and perioperative events and other complications associated with the surgical procedure was performed using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification (CD1-3). A total of 12/13 cases with allogenic bone grafting showed a Neer Type 1 osseous healing of the tumorous lesion after endoscopic resection, whereas only 5/11 cases with injectable bone substitute showed sufficient healing (types 1 and 2). There were three recurrent cysts (Neer 4) and two persistent cysts (Neer 3) after using injectable bone substitute. Two CD1 complications were observed in group A (prolonged wound drainage, sural neuritis) and eight complications were observed in group B (6× CD1, 2× CD3). At least two IOLs diagnosed preoperatively using MRI were ultimately identified as SBCs upon histopathologic examination. Allogenic cancellous bone grafting after endoscopic resection of calcaneal SBC or IOL showed a very low rate of complications and no tumor recurrence in our series. On the other hand, depending on the material used, injectable bone substitute showed a high rate of "white-out" (excessive drainage), resulting in multiple complications such as prolonged wound healing, insufficient permanent defect filling, recurrence, and revision surgery. Over time, calcaneal SBC may transform into IOL, exhibiting distinct features of both entities simultaneously during ossoscopy and histopathological analysis.

Endoscopic curettage and allografting of simple bone cysts of the calcaneus in young soccer players: Report of three cases

Open curettage with bone graft has been the traditionally suggested surgical treatment for the symptomatic simple (or unicameral as they used to be called) calcaneal bone cyst. Less invasive endoscopically assisted treatment with curettage and bone grafting with allograft have recently provided less postoperative morbidity. The aim of the present study is to present our experience with this method in young soccer athletes. Between April 2014 and May 2016 three consecutive young soccer players with symptomatic calcaneal bone cysts underwent endoscopic curettage, and percutaneous injection of demineralized bone matrix allograft. The mean age was 17.3 (16, 17 and 19 years old), and the mean follow-up was 32.1 (range 24-47) months. Both radiographic and functional follow-up, using the AOFAS score, showed good to excellent results. All lesions were radiographically healed. Preoperative AOFAS score (max. 100 pts) was 78.6 ± 4.7, improving to 98.0 ± 4.1. The patients returned to their initial level of sports activities within 18.3 (range 17-19) weeks after surgery. Evidence suggests an earlier return to sports using bone substitutes. However, the present study showed that endoscopic curettage and percutaneous injection of bone allograft is also an excellent treatment option for young athletes with a symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.

Temporal response of an injectable calcium phosphate material in a critical size defect

BACKGROUND

Calcium phosphate-based bone graft substitutes are used to facilitate healing in bony defects caused by trauma or created during surgery. Here, we present an injectable calcium phosphate-based bone void filler that has been purposefully formulated with hyaluronic acid to offer a longer working time for ease of injection into bony defects that are difficult to access during minimally invasive surgery.

METHODS

The bone substitute material deliverability and physical properties were characterized, and in vivo response was evaluated in a critical size distal femur defect in skeletally mature rabbits to 26 weeks. The interface with the host bone, implant degradation, and resorption were assessed with time.

RESULTS

The calcium phosphate bone substitute material could be injected as a paste within the working time window of 7-18 min, and then self-cured at body temperature within 10 min. The material reached a maximum ultimate compressive strength of 8.20 ± 0.95 MPa, similar to trabecular bone. The material was found to be biocompatible and osteoconductive in vivo out to 26 weeks, with new bone formation and normal bone architecture observed at 6 weeks, as demonstrated by histological evaluation, microcomputed tomography, and radiographic evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that the material properties and performance are well suited for minimally invasive percutaneous delivery applications.

Endoscopic Curettage and Bone Grafting of Intraosseous Ganglion of the Second Metatarsal

Intraosseous ganglion is a benign cystic lesion located in the subchondral region and in the epiphyseal areas of long and short tubular bones. It occasionally extends to the metaphysis and diaphysis regions and rarely involves the metatarsal bone. In this report, a case of intraosseous ganglion of the second metatarsal extending from metaphysis to diaphysis was presented. This presented with dull aching pain of the forefoot dorsum, and the diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. It was successfully treated by endoscopic curettage and bone grafting without the need of lengthy incision of open surgery. The patient remained asymptomatic and had no evidence of local recurrence 28 months after the surgery. This report demonstrated the feasibility of endoscopic surgery in treatment of extensive intraosseous benign lesion of the metatarsal bone.

Efficacy of Lesion Specific Portals in Endoscopic Treatment of Calcaneal Bone Cyst: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Calcaneal bone cysts rarely occur and most of them are known to be benign. Among them, simple bone cysts (SBCs) third most commonly occur in the calcaneus and of the many surgical treatment options, endoscopic curettage is recently gaining popularity among surgeons due to its advantages of minimal invasiveness and optimal visualization. As for portal placement for endoscopy, two lateral portals are considered a standard technique, but no rationale has been established for SBCs with abnormal geometry. This case report suggests an SBC with secondary aneurysmal change located outside the Ward’s triangle, as well as an appropriate endoscopic approach. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old male high school student presented with a main complaint of pain at the hind foot level for the past one year, without significant improvement from conservative treatment. An endoscopic curettage through the lesion specific two posterior portals and bone graft using allogeneic cancellous bone were performed. SBC with a secondary aneurysmal bone cyst was diagnosed on pathology. At a one-year follow-up, the patient was painless and had returned to his regular activities. Physical and radiographic examinations revealed that the lesion was completely healed without any evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: For calcaneal bone cysts located at the posterior aspect of the calcaneus, eccentrically medial and abnormally long anterior-posteriorly, we suggest an endoscopic procedure using lesion specific portals such as two posterior portals.

Arthroscopic Decompression and Subsequent Bone-Grafting of Spinoglenoid Cyst

Spinoglenoid cysts are associated with labral tears; however, little is known about their associated bony pathology. This Technical Note describes an arthroscopic technique to decompress and subsequently graft a spinoglenoid cyst and associated bony defect. Appropriate preoperative imaging is key to understanding the location of the bony defect and therefore crucial to the success of the bone graft. Adequate release of the labrum should be performed to fully visualized the bony lesion. A subchondroplasty cannulated drill is then placed in the bony defect under direct visualization and said defect is then filled with calcium phosphate cement. Care is taken to ensure no cement is allowed to extrude into the shoulder joint. After the cement has cured, labral pathology is repaired and the usual postoperative physiotherapy protocol is initiated.

Surgical treatment of chondroblastoma using extended intralesional curettage with phenol as a local adjuvant

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to report the clinical and radiological outcomes following surgical treatment of chondroblastoma by means of an extended intralesional curettage using high-speed burr, with phenol as a local adjuvant which is followed by the implantation of synthetic bone graft, aiming to lower the recurrence rate of this tumor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 20 patients with chondroblastoma lesions during the period between 2000 and 2015.

RESULTS

Fifteen males and five females were followed up for a mean of 63.35 (26-144) months with average age at the time of presentation was 20.8 (range: 12-32) years. Nineteen patients (95%) were complaining of pain at the time of presentation, and the lesion was discovered accidently in one patient. The mean operative time was 138.5 min (75-250). At the most recent follow-up, all patients had regained full physical function without pain at the operation site.

CONCLUSION

The aggressive treatment of chondroblastoma by an extended intralesional curettage using high-speed burr with phenol as a local adjuvant seems effective in lowering the incidence of local recurrence and secondary more aggressive surgeries. Implantation of the bone defects that result from curettage with the synthetic bone substitutes is a good alternative due to rapid restoration of the mechanical strength with good remodeling.

Continuous Surgical Decompression for Solitary Bone Cyst of the Jaw in a Teenage Patient

Background

A solitary bone cyst or simple bone cyst is a nonneoplastic osseous lesion, with no epithelial lining, also considered as a pseudocyst. These lesions, with an intact bony wall and fluid-filled, are frequently discovered by chance in radiological studies. The etiopathogenesis has not been studied in depth, and the management remains controversial.

Case Presentation

We present a clinical case of a 15-year-old boy who underwent an orthopantomography to assess the development and position of the third molars during a routine postorthodontic check-up. By chance, the X-ray identified an asymptomatic radiolucent image in the left jaw, measuring 12.0 mm × 17.8 mm and compatible with a solitary bone cyst involving teeth 35 and 36. We describe our technique for performing minimally invasive decompression of the lesion using a microperforated catheter. We describe the entire course of the follow-up, both clinical and radiological, until complete cure.

Conclusions

This straightforward continuous decompression technique poses no problems for the patient, has a low risk of sequelae, and is clearly cost-effective. In view of the highly satisfactory evolution, whenever possible, we favor this minimally invasive technique for the treatment of solitary bone cysts in the jaw.

Calcaneal Ossoscopy

Both unicameral bone cysts and intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus are rare entities that are mostly diagnosed because of unspecific heel pain, pathologic fracture, or as incidental finding. Minimally invasive ossoscopy with endoscopic resection of the tumor followed by grafting can potentially minimize risks of open surgery and speed up convalescence. We present our modifications to previously described techniques of endoscopic curettage with a particular focus on intraosseous lipoma and allogenic grafting. The key point for grafting is the use of a funnel-shaped ear speculum facilitating the plombage with allogenic cancellous bone chips. Compared with its alternatives, grafting with allogenic cancellous bone might prove favorable in this localization for several reasons: osteointegration, handling, availability, and costs. The objective of this technical note is to present a simple, safe, and cost-effective surgical technique for endoscopic surgical treatment of benign osteolytic lesions of the calcaneus.

Endoscopic resection and allografting for benign osteolytic lesions of the calcaneus

BACKGROUND

Both unicameral bone cysts and intra-osseous lipoma of the calcaneus are rare entities which are mostly diagnosed due to unspecific heel pain, pathologic fracture or as an incidental finding. Minimally-invasive ossoscopy with endoscopic resection of the tumor followed by grafting can potentially minimize risks of open surgery and speed up convalescence. The objective of this study is to present a simple, safe and cost-effective surgical technique for endoscopic surgical treatment of benign osteolytic lesions of the calcaneus.

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE

We present our modifications to previously described techniques of endoscopic curettage with a particular focus on intraosseous lipoma. The key point for grafting is the use of a funnel-shaped ear speculum facilitating the plombage with allogenic cancellous bone chips.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June 2013 and January 2015 ten consecutive patients underwent ossoscopy of the calcaneus. There were 4 cases of intraosseous lipoma and 6 cases of unicameral bone cyst. In a retrospective study, radiological results were analyzed using the Glutting-Classification, functional outcome was recorded with the AOFAS Hindfoot score.

RESULTS

Radiographic follow-up and functional outcome showed good to excellent results. All lesions radiologically classified as "healed". AOFAS score (max. 100 pts) ranged from 74 to 100 (ø94.4 ± 9.3).

CONCLUSIONS

This technique is a simple and safe procedure for benign osteolytic bone lesions of the calcaneus. Compared to its alternatives, grafting with allogenic cancellous bone might prove favourable in this localization for several reasons: Osteointegration, handling, availability and costs. Our preliminary investigations show promising results although further clinical and radiographic results are needed.

Endoscopic Versus Open Surgery for Calcaneal Bone Cysts: A Preliminary Report

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of an endoscopic procedure for patients with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst compared with an open procedure. The cases of 16 consecutive patients with a calcaneal bone cyst were reviewed. Of the 16 patients, 8 had undergone the open procedure (O group) from October 2003 to August 2011, and 8 had undergone the endoscopic procedure (E group) from September 2011 to April 2013. The endoscopic procedure used a 2-portal technique in which skin incisions were made to avoid the peroneal tendon according to the preoperative ultrasonography. All surgeries (open or endoscopic) consisted of curettage of the inner wall of the bone cyst, followed by injection of calcium phosphate cement. The following factors were evaluated: radiographic assessment, operative time, postoperative adverse effects, and interval to the return to sports. No significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the operative time (53.5 ± 6.5 minutes in the O group and 56.1 ± 13.8 minutes in the E group). The E group experienced no adverse effects; however, the O group had 1 temporary irritation in the sural nerve area and 1 calcium phosphate cement leakage along the peroneal tendon sheath. The interval to a return to sports was significantly shorter in the E group (14.5 ± 0.9 weeks in the O group and 6.5 ± 1.1 weeks in the E group; p < .01). In conclusion, endoscopic surgery is a useful approach for the treatment of calcaneal bone cysts, allowing early rehabilitation and an early return to sports without any adverse effects.

Treatment of a Simple Bone Cyst Using a Cannulated Hydroxyapatite Pin

Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are benign bone tumors. However, the treatment of SBCs remains controversial because of their healing rate and the invasiveness of surgery. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the treatment of SBCs using a cannulated hydroxyapatite (HA) pin.A total of 43 patients (35 males, 8 females; mean age 12.1 years; age range, 5-22 years) with SBCs were treated with continuous decompression by inserting ceramic HA pins between 1989 and 2014. The SBCs were located in the calcaneus in 23, the humerus in 15, the femur in 3, and the pelvis in 2 cases. In all patients, minimal fenestration of the cyst wall and curettage and multiple drilling in the cyst wall were performed, followed by insertion of the HA pin. The mean follow-up period was 26.6 months. Operating time, healing period, risk factors for recurrence, and the cure rate were evaluated.Healing was achieved without intervention in 38 patients after a mean of 6.4 months. Two patients had persistent small residual cysts, which had no changes after 1 year at the latest follow-up. There were 5 patients with recurrences (humerus 4, femur 1), who were cured by curettage and artificial bone grafting. The final healing rate by cannulation only using an HA pin was 88.2%. On Fisher exact test, age, site of SBCs, and distance from the physis were found to be significantly associated with SBC recurrence (P < 0.05).In the present study, cannulation using an HA pin for SBCs was found to be a useful technique, particularly for calcaneal cysts, because it is a minimally invasive procedure with a high cure rate. In patients <10 years, involvement of the humerus and contact with the growth plate were significant risk factors for SBC recurrence.

Treatment of Unicameral Bone Cysts of the Calcaneus: A Systematic Review

The calcaneus is the most common tarsal affected by unicameral bone cysts (UBCs); however, the treatment of calcaneal UBCs remains controversial. The purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the treatment modalities for calcaneal UBCs. A systematic review was performed using clinical studies of calcaneal UBCs with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up and level I to IV evidence. Ten studies with 171 patients (181 cysts) were selected. Heel pain and radiographic cyst consolidation were the primary outcomes. A series of Z tests were used to compare the outcomes in the nonoperative and operative groups, cannulated screw and bone augmentation groups, and autografting and allografting groups. All patients treated with open curettage and bone augmentation had significant improvements in heel pain (p < .001). Only 1.1% ± 1.0% of the cysts treated conservatively had healed on radiographs compared with 93.0% ± 13.0% of the cysts after surgery (p < .001). A greater percentage of patients treated with bone augmentation had preoperative heel pain and resolution of that pain than did patients treated with cannulated screws (p < .001). Autografting had a significantly greater percentage of radiographic cyst consolidation than did allografting (97.4% ± 11.1% versus 85.1% ± 15.8%, p < .001, Z = 3.5). Objective outcomes data on calcaneal UBCs are relatively sparse. The results of the present review suggest that open curettage with autograft bone augmentation is the most effective procedure. We would encourage future comparative clinical studies to elucidate differences in UBC treatment modalities.

Treatment of unicameral bone cyst: systematic review and meta analysis

PURPOSE

Different treatment modalities have been utilized to treat unicameral bone cyst (UBC), but evidence has not been fully described to support one treatment over another and the optimal treatment is controversial. The aim of this quantitative systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of different UBC treatment modalities.

METHODS

We utilized Pubmed to isolate retrospective studies on patients with UBC who received any kind of treatment. The included studies needed to have a minimum sample size of 15 patients, and have provided data on radiographic healing outcome.

RESULTS

Sixty-two articles were selected for the meta-analysis from a total of 463 articles. The cumulative sample size was 3,211 patients with 3,217 UBC, and male to female ratio was 2.2:1. The summary or pool estimate of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) injection resulted in a healing rate of (77.4 %) that was comparable to bone marrow injection (77.9 %). A higher healing rate was observed with MPA injection when inner wall disruption was performed. The pool estimate of bone marrow with demineralized bone matrix injection was high (98.7 %). UBC healing rate after surgical curettage was comparable whether autograft or allograft was utilized (90 %). UBC treatment with flexible intramedullary nails without curettage provided almost 100% healing rate, while continuous decompression with cannulated screws provided 89 % healing rate. Conservative treatment indicated a healing rate of 64.2, 95 % CI (26.7-101.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Active treatment for UBC provided variable healing rates and the outcomes were favorable relative to conservative treatment. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies and reporting bias, the interpretation of these findings should be handled with caution.

Tumor treated by endoscopy

Background

This study was conducted to examine the clinical usefulness and efficacy of endoscopic curettage on benign bone tumor.

Methods

Thirty-two patients (20 men and 12 women) with benign bone tumor were included in the study. The patients were aged between five and 76 years; the mean follow-up period was 27.05 months (range, 9.6 to 39.9 months). The primary sites include simple bone cyst (9 cases), fibrous dysplasia (6 cases), enchondroma (5 cases), non-ossifying fibroma (4 cases), bone infarct (3 cases), aneurysmal bone cyst (1 case), chondroblastoma (1 case), osteoblastoma (1 case), intraosseous lipoma (1 case), and Brodie abscess (1 case). A plain radiography was performed to assess the radiological recovery. Radiological outcomes, including local recurrence and bone union, were evaluated as excellent, good, poor, and recurred.

Results

In our series, there were 27 cases (84.4%) of good or better outcomes, six cases (18.8%) of complications (4 local recurrence, 1 wound infection, and 1 pathologic fracture).

Conclusions

Our results showed that endoscopic curettage and bone graft had a lower rate of recurrence and a higher cure rate in cases of benign bone tumor. It can, therefore, be concluded that endoscopic curettage and bone graft might be good treatment modalities for benign bone tumors.

Lower recurrence rate in chondroblastoma using extended curettage and cryosurgery

PURPOSE

Various methods for the treatment of chondroblastoma of bone have been used including simple curettage, or combined with bone grafting, in addition to the use of adjuvant therapy. However, local recurrence still represents a challenge in the management of this aggressive tumour. This study focuses on evaluating the role of intraregional extended curettage together with the use of adjuvant cryotherapy and autogenous bone grafting in the treatment of benign chondroblastoma of bone aiming to decrease the recurrence rate.

METHODS

All patients with chondroblastoma included in this study underwent intralesional extended curettage, adjuvant cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen, and autogenous iliac crest bone grafting. Follow up for healing of chondroblastoma lesions and detection of any local recurrence was assessed on clinical and radiological bases. The functional outcome was assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 49 months. The average time for bone healing was 7.4 months. Our rate of local recurrence is 7.1 %. Two patients (14.3 %) developed physeal growth arrest. One patient had superficial skin sloughing (7.1 %). None of the cases had pathological fracture. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 92.7 %.

CONCLUSION

Chondroblastoma is an aggressive benign bone tumour with a high rate of recurrence. The use of high-speed burr combined with adjuvant intralesional cryotherapy and iliac crest autogenous bone grafting is a reliable method of treatment with a low rate of recurrence.

Treatment of symptomatic para-articular intraosseous cysts by percutaneous injection of bone cement

PURPOSE

To describe the technique and clinical outcome of percutaneous injection of bone cement in the treatment of symptomatic para-articular intraosseous cysts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five patients (three men, two women; mean age 35 years) with painful para-articular intraosseous cysts were treated by percutaneous injection of bone cement under combined fluoroscopic and computed tomography (CT) guidance. The lesions were all located in weight-bearing bones, involving the acetabulum, proximal tibia, distal tibia, talus, and calcaneus, respectively.

RESULTS

The average amount of bone cement injected was 2.1 ml (range, 0.6-3.5 ml). Calcium phosphate cement was used in four cases and acrylic cement in one case. There were no immediate or delayed complications. Full pain relief was obtained between 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. All patients made a complete recovery and were pain-free at their last visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous injection of bone cement was a safe and efficient technique in the management of symptomatic para-articular intraosseous cysts in our population.

Percutaneous treatment of calcaneus fractures associated with underlying bone cysts

BACKGROUND

Calcaneal bone cysts with pathological fractures are rare. There is no clear consensus on their management with a few reports of open curettage, bone grafting and internal fixation in the treatment of pathological calcaneal fractures. No minimally invasive management has been reported before.

METHODS

We reviewed our experience in treating five patients with pathologic calcaneus fractures associated with pre-existing bone cysts who underwent percutaneous cyst curettage, fracture reduction, screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement injection between 2004 and 2009.

RESULTS

All of the pathologic fractures healed with satisfactory radiological results. There were no soft tissue complications or cyst recurrences. Partial weightbearing with plaster cast immobilization was allowed at 4 weeks postoperatively and full weightbearing was allowed at 6 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

This percutaneous technique provided a minimally invasive option for treatment of a calcaneal bone cyst with pathologic fracture.

Simple calcaneal bone cysts: a pilot study comparing open versus endoscopic curettage and grafting

This pilot study analysed the outcome of open versus endoscopic curettage and bone grafting for the treatment of simple calcaneal bone cysts. A total of 26 patients were evaluated into two equal groups: group 1 was treated with traditional open curettage and bone grafting and group 2 was treated with endoscopic curettage and percutaneous bone grafting. Cyst size, operating time, length of stay, time to healing, complications, further surgery and radiological healing were recorded and differences were statistically compared. The mean age of the patients was 22.9 years (18 to 28) and the mean follow-up was 28.7 months (24 to 36). There were no statistically significant differences in regard to age of patients, cyst size and the follow-up periods in the two groups. The operating time and mean length of stay of group 2 patients was significantly shorter than group 1 patients (p < 0.001). The time to healing was similar in the two groups. The overall success rates for groups 1 and 2 were 92.3% (12 of 13) and 100% (13 of 13), respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences regarding radiological healing. This pilot study suggests that endoscopic curettage and percutaneous grafting is a simple and safe form of treatment, with similar results to those following open treatment.

Endoscopic surgery for young athletes with symptomatic unicameral bone cyst of the calcaneus

BACKGROUND

Open curettage with bone graft has been the traditional surgical treatment for symptomatic unicameral calcaneal bone cyst. Endoscopic procedures have recently provided less invasive techniques with shorter postoperative morbidity.

HYPOTHESIS

The authors' endoscopic procedure is effective for young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Of 16 young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst, 13 underwent endoscopic curettage and percutaneous injection of bone substitute under the new method. Three patients were excluded because of short-term follow-up, less than 24 months. For the remaining 10 patients, with a mean preoperative 3-dimensional size of 23 × 31 × 35 mm as calculated by computed tomography, clinical evaluation was made with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale just before surgery and at the most recent follow-up (mean, 36.2 months; range, 24-51 months), and radiologic assessment was performed at the most recent follow-up, to discover any recurrence or pathologic fracture. Furthermore, the 10 patients-all of whom returned to sports activities-were asked how long it took to return to initial sports activity level after surgery.

RESULTS

Mean ankle-hindfoot scale score improved from preoperative 78.7 ± 4.7 points (range, 74-87) to postoperative 98.0 ± 4.2 points (range, 90-100) (P < .001). Pain and functional scores significantly improved after surgery (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). Radiologic assessment at most recent follow-up revealed no recurrence or pathologic fracture, with retention of injected calcium phosphate cement in all cases. All patients could return to their initial levels of sports activities within 8 weeks after surgery (mean period, 7.1 weeks; range, 4-8 weeks), which was quite early as compared with past reports.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic curettage and injection of bone substitute appears to be an excellent option for young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst for early return to sports activities, because it has the possibility to minimize the risk of postoperative pathologic fracture and local recurrence after early return to initial level of sports activities.

Treatment of a unicameral bone cyst of calcaneus with endoscopic curettage and percutaneous filling with corticocancellous allograft

The surgical procedures for unicameral solitary calcaneal bone cysts have ranged from simple curettage and grafting to subperiosteal resection with internal fixation and grafting. In this article, an endoscopically assisted technique is proposed for the curettage of a simple calcaneal cyst that takes advantage of direct visualization of the cyst wall and contents and permits accurate assessment of the extent of the lesion. After curettage, percutaneous filling of the defect with corticocancellous allograft makes the technique a complete, minimally invasive surgical approach for this condition. The technique uses 2 lateral portals, one for viewing and the other for manipulation, both of which are created under fluoroscopic control. Once the cyst has been located, the 30 degrees arthroscope is used to evacuate fluid, after which more solid cyst contents are fragmented and removed. Thereafter, curettage of the inner surface of the cavernous cyst wall is performed. Finally, complete packing of the previously cystic cavity with crushed corticocancellous allograft is performed under endoscopic visualization and confirmed radiographically.

Treatment of intraosseous ganglia and bone cysts of the carpal bones with injectable calcium phosphate bone cement

This article documents the outcome of treatment of intraosseous ganglia and simple bone cysts of the carpal bones by curettage and injectable calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) grafting. The patients consisted of five men and three women. One had a cystic lesion in the scaphoid, one in the hamate, and five in the lunate. Curettage of the lesions was performed, and CPC was injected into the cavity. Five patients were diagnosed with a ganglion and three with a simple bone cyst. Among the five patients with wrist pain, the pain disappeared completely in four. Radiographs showed apparent partial absorption of CPC in four patients and no absorption in other four. There were no recurrence of tumours and no other complications were encountered. We conclude that calcium phosphate bone cement is a useful material for repairing bone defect after curettage of an intraosseous ganglion or bone cyst of a carpal bone.