Unicameral Bone Cyst of the Calcaneus

by Vilayvanh Sysounthone, DPM
Resident, Bon Secours Canterbury Partnership for Care/St. Mary Hospital
Special thanks to Dr. John DelMonte

Case Presentation
 

18 y/o male presents to Dr. John DelMonte’s office on 11/11/03 with c/o pain to right heel for 2 weeks duration. Patient denies trauma to foot. Patient relates pain on ambulation. X-rays were taken and showed cyst in the calcaneus. Patient went for an MRI which demonstrated Unicameral Bone Cyst with sustentaculum tali fracture. Patient underwent surgery on 11/17/03.

PMH -   denies
PSH -   denies
SH -      denies alcohol and tobacco
Meds - None

PE
Neurovascular - wnl
Derm - No open lesions, no erythema, no edema, no ecchymoses right foot
MSK   ROM intact LE
Radiographic Evaluation – cyst in lateral aspect of the calcaneus as noted by calc axial view
MRI - unicameral bone cyst of the calcaneus and sustentaculum tali fracture

Surgical procedure

Calcaneal axial view showed that the cyst was on the lateral side of the calcaneus. A lateral incision was made overlying the lateral aspect of the calcaneus. Upon opening, about 10cc of sanguineous drainage was collected from the calcaneus where there is now a large void in the calcaneus. The medial anterior and posterior walls of the cyst were fenestrated with a 0.045 k-wire. The void was then packed with bone chips and grafton.    

Post-op course

NWB with fiberglass cast 6 weeks
PWB CAM Walker 2 weeks – no pain with PWB
Pt now back to all activities.

Share your unique and interesting cases with us!

Send Feedback

Jay Lieberman, DPM
Editor - PRESENT
Director of Podiatric Medical Education
Northwest Medical Center
Margate, Florida