Aneurysmal bone cyst of medial cuneiform and a novel surgical technique for mid-foot reconstruction

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the calcaneum: A report of three cases and review of literature

CASE DESCRIPTION

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are locally aggressive, cystic lesions of the skeletal system, most commonly seen in the metaphyseal region of long bones. On the other hand, an ABC of the foot (especially the calcaneum) is a rare entity, with very few cases reported in the literature. In this study, we present three such cases who presented to us with the chief complaint of chronic heel pain. All three patients were clinically reviewed following which a comprehensive radiological workup was performed. The latter revealed a solitary, expansile lesion within the calcaneum in all them. Treatment included extended curettage and reconstruction using autologous iliac crest bone grafts. Histopathological analysis of the curetted sample was consistent with features of primary ABC. There were no complications and all lesions had re-ossified at the latest follow up.

CONCLUSION

Calcaneal ABCs are rare, atypical lesions warranting a high index of suspicion and correlation of the patient's clinical, radiological and histopathological features to make a correct diagnosis.

Endoscopically and Fluoroscopically Assisted Curettage and Bone Grafting of the Navicular Bone Cyst

Simple bone cyst is a common tumorlike lesion of the bone and can involve the bones of the foot. It is usually asymptomatic but can also present with pain or pathologic fracture. The purpose of this technical note is to describe the uni-osseous portal approach of endoscopic curettage and bone grafting of simple bone cyst of the navicular bone. The single-portal approach reduces the risk of iatrogenic fracture of the navicular bone. This is indicated for painful bone cyst of the navicular bone resistant to conservative treatment. It is contraindicated in multiple septated cysts, the presence of pathologic fracture, or the presence of aggressive cystic lesions.