Related Experiment Videos
Free os cuboideum secundarium: a case report.
Ralph Gaulke1, Hans-Gerd Schmitz
1Departement of Orthopaedic Surgery, Evangelische Stiftung Volmarstein, Wetter, Germany.
Summary
A rare foot accessory bone, the free os cuboideum secundarium, was surgically removed in a child due to persistent pain. The patient recovered fully, remaining pain-free and active years later.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Foot and Ankle Anatomy
Background:
- Accessory ossicles in the foot are anatomical variations, with the free os cuboideum secundarium being exceptionally rare.
- Persistent pain following trauma can sometimes be attributed to these accessory bones, necessitating clinical evaluation.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old boy presented with persistent pain in his left foot after trauma.
- A free os cuboideum secundarium was identified and surgically resected.
- Histological examination revealed degenerative changes in the hyaline cartilage of the resected bone.
Findings:
- The patient experienced complete pain relief post-surgery.
- At 9.5 years follow-up, the patient remained pain-free and athletically active (playing football).
- Radiographs demonstrated complete remodeling of the cuboid and calcaneus with normal bony configuration in both feet.
Implications:
- Surgical resection of a symptomatic free os cuboideum secundarium can lead to excellent long-term functional recovery in pediatric patients.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare accessory ossicles in the differential diagnosis of foot pain after trauma.
- Complete bony remodeling and restoration of normal foot anatomy can occur after resection of such accessory bones.