INCIDENTAL INTRAOSSEOUS CALCANEAL LIPOMA IN A PATIENT SUFFERING FROM PLANTARFASZIITIS

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Intraosseous calcaneal lipoma is a rare benign bone tumor, accounting for <8-15% of all intraosseous lipomas.
• Etiology remains unknown, with theories including post-traumatic reaction, healing bone infarct, or neoplasm.
• Symptoms are nonspecific, often presenting as plantar pain misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis.

Observation:

• A 49-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of plantar fasciitis.
• Incidental asymptomatic intraosseous calcaneal lipoma was diagnosed via X-ray and CT scan.
• The patient was asymptomatic from the lipoma.

Findings:

• Typical computed tomography (CT) findings suggested a benign lipoma.
• No biopsy was indicated due to the asymptomatic nature and characteristic imaging findings.
• Recommendations included regular CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering rare bone tumors in differential diagnosis of plantar heel pain.
• Demonstrates the utility of advanced imaging (CT, MRI) in diagnosing intraosseous calcaneal lipoma.
• Suggests conservative management with surveillance for asymptomatic intraosseous calcaneal lipoma.