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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Aneurysmal bone cysts; Benign cystic lesions; Calcaneum; Curettage.