Treatment of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma to the calcaneus

Metastatic skeletal adenocarcinoma is an all too common and unfortunate complication of advanced oncologic states. Mortality rates are usually elevated when bony metastasis are evident, as this signifies advanced disease. The foot and ankle are uncommon sites for metastatic deposits, but may occur. As such, the foot and ankle surgeon must be aware of the potential for such disease, and be able to proceed with an imaging and medical work-up of the patient with foot and ankle skeletal metastasis. The goal of treatment is pain relief and the preservation of functional ambulation, which may greatly enhance the quality of remaining life for patients. A team approach is mandatory to manage the patients with metastatic disease. We present a case of an elderly male with a known history of prostate cancer, who presented with unrelenting heel pain, which upon diagnostic work-up, proved to be progressive calcaneal as well as axial metastasis after a brief period of clinical remission. Operative management coupled with palliative radiation and bisphosphonate therapy provided symptomatic pain relief and maintenance of functional ambulation.