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

Heel pain in young athletes - not always Sever's Disease: A Narrative Review

Heel pain is a prevalent issue in young athletes, often arising from overuse and increased sporting demands. While Sever's Disease is the predominant cause, various other entities, including stress-related injuries and pathologies like tumors and bone lesions, contribute to this condition. The complex hind foot anatomy, encompassing ossicles, physis, and soft tissues, may lead to heel pain. This study aims to provide physicians with a clinically oriented narrative review of adolescent heel pain, supported by illustrative cases. CONCLUSION: This study aims to offer physicians a comprehensive understanding of the concepts surrounding heel pain in adolescents. By presenting clinically relevant information and illustrated cases, it seeks to enhance medical practitioners' ability to diagnose and manage heel pain effectively in this specific demographic.

Treatment of a calcaneal unicameral bone cyst by percutaneous CT-guided cement injection using a double-needle technique: A case report

Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are benign cavitary lesions that most commonly affect adolescent males in the first 2 decades of life. They are mainly asymptomatic but can manifest with pain or pathological fractures. Despite numerous proposed methods for managing calcaneal SBCs, the optimal approach toward these lesions remains controversial. Herein, we report a case of a 16-year-old girl with a calcaneal SBC. On local examination, tenderness was the only noteworthy sign. In an outpatient setting, under conscious sedation, 2 interosseous needles were simultaneously inserted into the cyst under the guidance of CT fluoroscopy. Without aspiration, a radiopaque bone cement mixture was injected into the cyst from 1 needle until serosanguineous fluid efflux from the second needle ceased. Over a 2-year follow-up period, the patient recovered without any complications. This novel technique has the potential to be used as a feasible and minimally invasive approach in the management of symptomatic unicameral calcaneal bone cysts.

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.

Management of Calcaneal Cysts in the Pediatric Population: A Review

Cysts of the bone are a common pathology that, although benign, are frequently treated because of their tendency to compromise the integrity of affected bone. Two common entities are unicameral bone cysts and aneurysmal bone cysts. Although these are two distinct pathologies, they are treated similarly and thus will be discussed in tandem. The optimal treatment of calcaneal bone cysts in pediatric patients has long been debated among orthopaedic surgeons because of the relatively small number of cases and varied results within the literature. Currently, there are three lines of thought regarding treatment: observation, injection, and surgical intervention. When considering which course of treatment is best for an individual patient, the surgeon must consider the fracture risk without treatment, the risk of complications with treatment, and the recurrence rate with each treatment approach. There are limited data on pediatric calcaneal cysts specifically. Still, there are much data concerning simple bone cysts of long bones in the pediatric population and calcaneal cysts in the adult population. Because of the lack of literature on the subject, there is a need for a review of the available literature and a consensus on the approach to treating calcaneal cysts in the pediatric population.

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.

Open Curettage With Bone Augmentation for Symptomatic Tumors and Tumor-like Lesions of Calcaneus: A Comparison of Bioactive Glass Versus Allogeneic Bone

Few studies have characterized the clinical outcomes of 45S5 Bioglass® applied as a bone graft to that of allogeneic bone applied in calcaneal open curettage. Therefore, the purpose of the present investigation was to compare the outcomes of patients with calcaneal tumors and tumor-like lesions treated by open curettage with 45S5 Bioglass® or allogeneic bone. Of the 31 patients who underwent open curettage (18 cases of unicameral bone cysts, 7 cases of aneurysmal bone cysts, and 6 cases of intraosseous lipoma), 16 (52%) received grafts with 45S5 Bioglass® and 15 (48%) with allogeneic bone. All the feet achieved bone fusion according to the modified Neer radiographic classification system at the last follow-up examination. The mean bone ingrowth time for the grafts with 45S5 Bioglass® versus allogeneic bone was 3.71 ± 0.86 versus 4.46 ± 1.04 months (p = .038), the mean bone healing time was 4.86 ± 0.93 versus 5.73 ± 1.07 months (p = .021), and the mean incision drying time was 7.2 ± 1.8 versus 8.2 ± 1.5 days (p = .047), respectively. No differences were found in the postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale scores between the 2 groups (p = .213). These results show that 45S5 Bioglass® can better facilitate the formation of new bone with a faster drying time of the incision than allogeneic bone. Although both materials can benefit the clinical outcomes of calcaneal tumors and tumor-like lesions, further studies are needed to observe the long-term complications and lesion recurrence rates.

Benign Osseous Tumors and Tumor-Like Conditions

We will provide an imaging-focused discussion of 3 benign bone tumors that do not fit in the categories of cartilaginous tumors or osteoid tumors. We have chosen giant cell tumor of bone, unicameral bone cyst, and fibrous dysplasia. All 3 of these entities are common enough that one does not have to be a musculoskeletal radiologist in a cancer hospital to encounter them occasionally, but none of them should be seen frequently.

The Pediatric Foot and Ankle

Foot and ankle pathology is common in the pediatric population. Common issues may be traumatic in nature, congenital, or age dependent. This article reviews common problems and pathology found in the pediatric foot and ankle.

Calcium Sulfate/Calcium Phosphate Bone Void Filler in the Treatment of Bilateral Adolescent Unicameral Calcaneal Bone Cysts: 36-Month Follow-Up

A 36-month follow-up of the management of bilateral adolescent unicameral bone cysts in a high school gymnast treated with a calcium sulfate/calcium phosphate (CSCP) bone void filler (BVF) is presented. The more developed left calcaneal cyst was managed with a traditional, open approach consisting of allogenic bone graft, CSCP BVF mixed with platelet-rich plasma. The less developed right calcaneal cyst was managed with a less used approach, a percutaneous bone cortex incision with only the CSCP BVF. The rationale for the selection between the open and percutaneous approaches, long-term BVF incorporation, and positive patient outcome allowing a quick return to athletics are presented.

Early postoperative compilations of bone filling in curettage defects

Background

Curettage is widely used in orthopedic oncology; the defect created frequently requires filling for mechanical and functional stability for the bones and adjacent joint. Allograft, bone graft substitute, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are the most common substances used each with their benefits and drawbacks. The aim of the study is to show that good functional result can be achieved with curettage and bone filler, regardless of type.

Methods

A series of 267 cases were reviewed between 1994 and 2015 who received curettage treatment and placement of a bone filler. Endpoints included fracture, infection, cellulitis, pulmonary embolism, and paresthesia. Complication rates at our single institution were compared against literature values for three study cohorts: allograft, bone graft substitute, and PMMA bone fillers. Friedman test, Wilcoxon test, and Z-score for two populations were used to compare our subset against literature values and between different bone filling types.

Results

Our cases included 18 autografts, 74 allografts, 121 bone graft substitute, and 54 PMMA of which the bulk of complications occurred. Our overall complication rate was 3.37%. Allograft has a complication rate of 1.35%, bone graft substitute of 4.13%, and PMMA of 5.56%. Other techniques did not yield any complications. Combination filling techniques PMMA + allograft and PMMA + bone graft substitute had sample sizes too small for statistical comparison. Statistical comparison yielded no significant difference between complications in any of the filling groups (P = 0.411).

Conclusions

Some has even argued that bone defects following curettage do not require bone filling for good outcome. However, many structural or biologic benefits that aid in earlier return to functionality can be conferred by filling large bone defects. There was no significant difference in postoperative complication rates between allograft, bone graft substitute, and PMMA when compared at our institution and with literature values. Nevertheless, one complication with a large defect filled with allograft, requiring a subsequent reconstruction using vascularized fibular graft. Taking everything into account, we see bone graft substitute as a suitable alternative to other bone filling modalities.

Leiomyoma of the Foot: A Case Report

Leiomyomas are benign tumors of smooth muscle origin. They are most commonly found in the uterus, but cutaneous leiomyomas may be occasionally present in the extremities and cause pain secondary to mass effect. Few studies have reported leiomyoma of the foot, and leiomyoma of the heel is particularly rare. We present a case of a 41-year-old female who presented to our clinic for a tender nodule on the posterior aspect of her right heel. The tumor was surgically excised and biopsied revealing cutaneous leiomyoma.

Primary tumours of the calcaneus

The calcaneus is a rare location for the occurrence and development of primary tumour types. Clinicians are unfamiliar with calcaneal tumour types, which may result in a delay in diagnosis or a missed diagnosis, resulting in unnecessary morbidity and amputation. Heel pain and localized swelling of the ankle are the most common symptoms. X-ray is the first choice for a tentative diagnosis of a calcaneal tumour. The final diagnosis depends on a histological examination. The treatment of calcaneal tumour types varies depending on the Enneking system. The majority of patients with benign tumours heal, except for a few with a palindromia. For malignant tumours, the prognosis is comparatively poor, resulting in disability and a high rate of metastasis. This review describes the spectrum of calcaneal tumour types and specifically illustrates the epidemiology, symptomatology, imagology, histopathology and treatment options that may facilitate diagnosis and improve prognosis.

Effect of Ethanol as an Adjuvant to Extended Curettage on Recurrence Rate of Unicameral Bone Cyst

Background: To assess the efficacy of ethanol as an adjuvant in the treatment of unicameral bone cyst (UBC). Materials and Methods: Surgically treated patients with UBC lesion were reviewed. Definite treatment of UBC lesions was conducted using a combined four-step alcohol-using approach, consisted of curettage, burring, ethanol 96%, and electrocauterization of the lesion, consecutively. Results: Twenty-one patients (mean age 14, range: 2–30, male 62%) were followed from 1 to 10 years. Among 18 cases, only one recurrence was seen in a 5-year-old boy with UBC of the left calcaneus. Conclusions: Using ethanol as an adjuvant may be a good choice for treatment of UBC lesions.

Calcaneal cysts and lipomas: a common pathogenesis?

Calcaneal cysts and lipomas are relatively rare, benign bone lesions. They are similar in many ways, including in their location and radiological appearance, but their content differs. Cysts contain fluid whereas lipomas contain fat, although some lesions may exhibit a mixed content. The pathogenesis of the two entities is the subject of controversy. The theory that calcaneal cysts may result from lipomatous necrosis has been widely suggested in the literature, but no such progression has ever been shown. The contrary hypothesis has also been considered, i.e., that the content of regressing cysts may be replaced by fatty marrow, leading to a lipoma-like appearance. This second theory is based on indirect arguments, notably that lipomas have a similar location to intraosseous calcaneal ganglion cysts that arise from the subtalar joint and that patients are older in cases of calcaneus lipomas than in cases of calcaneus cysts. We offer an additional argument in favor of this hypothesis. We present an original observation of a calcaneal cyst incidentally discovered in a 15-year-old male whose spontaneous evolution 3 and 7 years later revealed progressive replacement of its fluid content by fat.

Arthroscopic Debridement of a Talar Cyst and Bone Grafting with the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System A Case Report

Simple bone cysts compose approximately 3% of all primary bone tumors and most commonly occur in the metaphyseal regions of the proximal humerus and femur. The percentage of the talus with suspected bone tumors is reported to be 0.003%. Therefore, talar cysts are rare but sometimes present as aggressive lesions, and they can affect any of the tarsal bones. Recently, an arthroscopic approach to these lesions has been developed that is less invasive than conventional open surgery. In the present case study, we profile a 65-year-old female patient who received arthroscopic debridement of a bone cyst from the medial aspect of the talus with the osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS). By using the OATS core harvester, we penetrated into the tumor. After the cylindrical bone plug was pulled out, the tumor was removed and artificial bone granules were firmly packed into the cavity with intralesional arthroscopy. Then, the cylindrical bone plug previously harvested by OATS was implanted at the site with careful precision. This intervention resulted in a relative restoration of talar dome anatomy and ultimately restored the patient to activity with minimal discomfort. Therefore, arthroscopic debridement with OATS has the potential to be a useful option in dealing with debilitating osteochondral cystic lesions.

An unusual case of proximal humeral simple bone cyst in an adult from secondary cystic change

Background

Simple bone cysts (SBC) have been documented to occur in adults with closed physeal plates, most commonly affecting the calcaneus in this patient subset. Although most authors theorize an association to trauma, etiology of simple bone cysts remains an enigma up to now.

Case presentation

A 26-year-old kickboxing coach sought consult for a painful right shoulder which on radiographs and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed a proximal humeral lesion with signs of ossification. The patient was lost to follow-up but again sought consult after 3 years for the recurring complaint. On repeat radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scan, and MR images, tumor enlargement with cystic findings typical of simple bone cyst were documented. Diagnostic aspiration of the lesion was firstly done, revealing straw-colored fluid. The patient then underwent intralesional curettage with alpha-tricalcium phosphate cement reconstruction of the lytic defect. No perioperative complications were incurred, and on latest follow-up at 3 years postoperatively, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were 30/30 and 0/10, respectively.

Conclusions

The authors believe their report provides support to a possible association to trauma of simple bone cysts occurring in the adult population with closed physes and suggest this subset of patients may require a different treatment approach from that for juvenile simple bone cysts.

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.