Endoscopic resection and allografting for benign osteolytic lesions of the calcaneus

Both unicameral bone cysts and intra-osseous lipoma of the calcaneus are rare entities which are mostly diagnosed due to unspecific heel pain, pathologic fracture or as an incidental finding. Minimally-invasive ossoscopy with endoscopic resection of the tumor followed by grafting can potentially minimize risks of open surgery and speed up convalescence. The objective of this study is to present a simple, safe and cost-effective surgical technique for endoscopic surgical treatment of benign osteolytic lesions of the calcaneus.

We present our modifications to previously described techniques of endoscopic curettage with a particular focus on intraosseous lipoma. The key point for grafting is the use of a funnel-shaped ear speculum facilitating the plombage with allogenic cancellous bone chips.

Between June 2013 and January 2015 ten consecutive patients underwent ossoscopy of the calcaneus. There were 4 cases of intraosseous lipoma and 6 cases of unicameral bone cyst. In a retrospective study, radiological results were analyzed using the Glutting-Classification, functional outcome was recorded with the AOFAS Hindfoot score.

Radiographic follow-up and functional outcome showed good to excellent results. All lesions radiologically classified as "healed". AOFAS score (max. 100 pts) ranged from 74 to 100 (ø94.4 ± 9.3).

This technique is a simple and safe procedure for benign osteolytic bone lesions of the calcaneus. Compared to its alternatives, grafting with allogenic cancellous bone might prove favourable in this localization for several reasons: Osteointegration, handling, availability and costs. Our preliminary investigations show promising results although further clinical and radiographic results are needed.