Extended curettage and adjuvant therapy for benign tumors of the talus

Benign tumors of the talus are rare, and their management is controversial. Recent efforts have extended the safety margin of intralesional excision and curettage by chemical and physical means. Cryotherapy as adjuvant therapy is associated with risks of local wound and bony complications (delayed healing, potential for pathological fractures).

We retrospectively reviewed six cases of benign talar tumors (three giant cell tumors, two aneurysmal bone cysts, one osteoblastoma) treated by extended curettage and adjuvant cryotherapy. Talar bone stock was restored by bone grafting the residual cavity with fibular strut grafts and/or cancellous bone grafts. Patients were followed for a mean of 40 months.

At latest follow-up, each patient had a mobile painless ankle and good functional outcome. No patient experienced recurrence or complications related to cryotherapy.

Intralesional extended curettage with bone grafting and cryotherapy is a successful, safe, and efficient treatment of benign tumors of the talus.