[Cysts of the calcaneus, diagnosis and treatment]

Cystic lesions of the calcaneus are almost always benign solitary bone cysts. They are in most cases asymptomatic; the need for surgery being diagnostic. The purpose with this study was to precisize the indications for surgical treatment of these lesions. We analyzed 11 cases of cystic lesions of the calcaneus. Two patients had atypical radiographs, four had symptoms and in 7 patients the lesion was found accidentally. Five patients underwent surgery. The histological findings in three cases with typical radiographs was solitary bone cyst and in the two cases with atypical radiographs respectively chondromyxoid fibroma and fibrous dysplasia. We made a solitary observation of raised intracystal pressure in one symptomatic patient with a solitary bone cyst. Asymptomatic cystic lesions of the calcaneus can safely be treated by simple observation if they fill the criterias for a typical solitary bone cyst of the calcaneus. Atypical cysts should be biopsied. Persisting pain is also an indication for surgery. Elevated intracystal pressure can contribute in the pathophysiological mechanisms producing pain.