Heel pain caused by os subcalcis: A case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Radiology

Background:

• Accessory bones are common asymptomatic variations in the foot and ankle.
• Os subcalcis, a plantar accessory bone of the calcaneus, is situated near the plantar fascia insertion.
• Focal bone formation at the calcaneal plantar pole causing heel pain is infrequently documented.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old male presented with an 8-year history of left plantar heel pain and swelling.
• Imaging revealed a large os subcalcis at the calcaneus' plantar aspect, near the plantar fascia.
• The patient underwent surgical excision of the os subcalcis.

Findings:

• Microscopic examination showed bony trabeculae interspersed with fat and cartilage.
• This case highlights a rare instance of os subcalcis causing symptomatic heel pain.
• Surgical intervention was performed for the symptomatic accessory bone.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of os subcalcis is crucial for accurate diagnosis of heel pain.
• This case underscores the importance of considering accessory ossicles in differential diagnoses of foot pain.
• Proper identification of os subcalcis can prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate treatment strategies.