An Occult Lesion of the Calcaneus

Figure 1. Observe the geographic lytic expansile lesion present in the floor of the calcaneus.

HISTORY

This active adolescent athlete sprained his foot while playing tennis.  Radiographs revealed a large radiolucent lesion in the calcaneus.  What is this?

DIAGNOSIS:  SIMPLE BONE CYST

The geographic lytic expansile lesion in the floor of the calcaneus is well circumscribed and has all the characteristic appearances of a benign lesion.  Benign lytic lesions of the calcaneus are most commonly simple bone cysts (unicameral); however, the possibility of an aneurysmal bone cyst, giant cell tumor, or other benign tumors cannot be ruled out. 

Figure 1. Observe the geographic lytic expansile lesion present in the floor of the calcaneus.GENERAL  CONSIDERATIONS

Simple bone cyst (SBC), sometimes referred to as a unicameral bone cyst (UBC), solitary bone cyst, or juvenile bone cyst, is not a true neoplasm of bone, but rather a fluid-filled cyst that is lined with a thin layer of fibrous tissue.  Nonetheless, it is frequently classified under the heading of primary bone tumors.  Jaffe and Lichtenstein1, who described the first cases in 1942, clearly delineated this cyst as a distinct disease entity, naming it unicameral bone cyst.  The term unicameral, meaning one house, has actually created some confusion, since many lesions present with a bubbly or chambered appearance; it is not single chambered at all.  All of the cases that Jaffe and Lichtenstein originally reported were of the single-chamber cystic variety, which led them to use the term unicameral initially.  However, many multichambered lesions have been reported since, which are better termed simple bone cysts rather than unicameral.  In fact, histologically, they are the same lesion.

INCIDENCE

SBC’s represent slightly more than 3% of biopsied primary bone tumors.2
An SBC most commonly occurs between the ages of 3 and 14 years (80% of cases).  They have been reported in a 2-month-old infant3, and in patients over 50.3  Males predominate, 2:1.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Most lesions are totally asymptomatic until a pathologic fracture occurs, not uncommonly in athletic activities.4,5  Approximately two-thirds of the SBC’s eventually undergo pathologic fracture.6

TREATMENT AND PROGNOSIS

The traditional treatment of choice has been surgical curettage with cauterization of the cyst.  Packing of the hollow cavity with bone chips following surgery is necessary.  However, recurrence rates with this technique have been high, approximately 30 to 40%.7   More recently, the injection of steroids has significantly reduced the recurrence rates, thus providing effective treatment for the cyst.5,8-11

Dr. Terry R. Yochum is a second-generation chiropractor and a cum laude graduate of the National College of Chiropractic, where he subsequently completed his radiology specialty.  He is currently Director of the Rocky Mountain Chiropractic Radiological Center, in Denver, CO, an Adjunct Professor of Radiology at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, as well as an instructor of Skeletal Radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO.  Dr. Yochum is, also, a consultant to Health Care Manufacturing Company that offers a Stored Energy system.  For more information, Dr. Yochum can be reached  at: 303-940-9400 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Dr. Chad Maola is a 1999  Magna Cum Laude graduate of  National College of Chiropractic.

References

  1. Jaffe HL, Lichtenstein L:  Solitary unicameral bone cyst, with emphasis on the roentgen picture, the pathologic appearance and the pathogenesis. Arch Surg 44:104, 1942.
  2. Mirra JM:  Bone Tumors—Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, JB Lippincott, 1980.
  3. Jaffe HL:  Tumors and Tumorous Conditions of the Bones and Joints, Philadelphia, Lea & Febiger, 1958.
  4. Garceau GJ, Gregory CF:  Solitary unicameral bone cyst. J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 36:267, 1954.
  5. Rowe LJ, Brandt JR:  Simple bone cysts in athletes. Chiro Sports Med 2:33, 1988.
  6. Wilner D:  Radiology of Bone Tumors and Allied Disorders, Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1982.
  7. Smith RW, Smith CF: Solitary unicameral bone cyst of the calcaneus. J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 56:49, 1974.
  8. Capanna R, Albisinni U, Campanacci M, et al: Contrast examination as a prognostic factor in the treatment of solitary bone cyst by cortisone injection. Skeletal Radiol 12:97, 1984.
  9. Capanna R, DalMonte A, Campanacci M: The natural history of unicameral bone cyst after steroid injection. Clin Orthop 166:204, 1982.
  10. Scaglietti O, Marchetti PG, Bartolozzi P: Final results obtained in the treatment of bone cysts with methylprednisolone acetate (depo-medral) and a discussion of results achieved in other bone lesions. Clin Orthop 165:33, 1982.
  11. Yochum TR, Rowe LJ:  Essentials of Skeletal Radiology, ed. 2. Baltimore, Williams & Wilkins, 1996.

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