Calcaneal tumors and tumor-like conditions

Approximately 3% of osseous tumors occur in the foot and ankle. Solitary bone cysts, chondroblastoma, intraosseous lipoma, osteoid osteoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing's sarcoma seem to have a predilection for the calcaneus. Biopsy is often a crucial step in management. Tumor-like conditions, such as cysts, reactive lesions, and osteomyelitis, must be considered during evaluation. Treatment is often observation or curettage of benign lesions and resection or amputation for malignancies.     

Primary Tumor and Tumor-Like Lesions of Bones of the Foot: Single-Center Experience of 166 Cases

Primary bone tumors of the foot are rare lesions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, and recurrences of various primary bone tumors of the foot from a specialized center for orthopedic oncology. Among 3681 musculoskeletal tumor cases, which were diagnosed and surgically treated in our hospital from 1983 to 2013, 166 primary tumor and tumor-like bone lesions of the foot (4.5%) were retrospectively reviewed regarding age, gender, localization, biopsy-revealed diagnosis, applied treatment modalities, follow-up period, and recurrence, if any. Of the 166 primary bone tumors of the foot, 155 (93.4%) were benign and 11 (6.6%) were malignant. The most common primary benign bone tumor was a unicameral bone cyst (57 of 155; 36.8%), and the most common malignant tumor was chondrosarcoma (7 of 11; 63.6%). The hindfoot was the most common location for both primary benign (104 of 155; 67.1%) and malignant (6 of 11; 54.5%) bone tumors of the foot. The results of our study have confirmed that the radiologic findings can be confusing owing to the structural and histopathologic features of the bones of the foot; thus, histopathologic diagnosis should be considered for foot involvement. Because the characteristics of the compartments in the foot allow for the rapid spread of malignant lesions, aggressive surgical management and wider resection are recommended to prevent recurrence and further spread.     

An Intraosseous Lipoma of the Calcaneus: A Case Report

Intraosseous lipomas are one of the rarest bone tumors found in the body. The incidence has been reported to be <0.1% of all primary bone tumors. The differential diagnoses of an intraosseous lipoma in the calcaneus include plantar fasciitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, gout, stress fracture, unicameral bone cyst, aneurysmal bone cyst, osteoblastoma, enchondroma, chondromyxoid fibroma, nonossifying fibroma, giant cell tumor, chondroblastoma, fibrous dysplasia, and chondrosarcoma. It has been reported that 60% to 70% of patients with an intraosseous lipoma present with symptoms. This article describes a case of a pathologic fracture secondary to a large intraosseous lipoma, the surgical treatments, and the subsequent resolution of symptoms. The purpose of our report was 3-fold: (1) to increase awareness of intraosseous lipomas and their potential to cause pathologic fractures in the calcaneus; (2) to suggest a possible treatment protocol for intraosseous lipomas in the calcaneus; and (3) to describe a rare case of an intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus not located exclusively in the neutral triangle.     

Verteilungsmuster von Fuß- und Sprunggelenkstumoren

BackgroundUnclear bone lesions and soft tissue masses of the foot and ankle are not uncommon, but pseudotumorous lesions must be strictly differentiated from real neoplasia. Delayed and incorrect diagnoses are more common here than in other localizations of the musculoskeletal system, sometimes with serious consequences for affected patients.Awareness of true musculo-skeletal tumours is low due to the rarity of these diseases and neoplasia is often not considered.In the scarce literature on this topic there is no uniform definition of the term foot tumor, which makes it difficult to compare and correctly classify the different entities. The aim of this study is to show incidence and distribution patterns of foot and ankle tumors of a university tumor institute in order to improve the understanding of this rare and heterogeneous disease pattern, and to present a simple definition of the term foot tumor.MethodsIn a retrospective, monocentric study, data of patients treated between June 1997 and December 2015 for foot and ankle tumors at a musculoskeletal university tumor center were analyzed with respect to epidemiological data, entity and localization. This included all cases with foot and ankle tumors defined according to the WHO. Exclusion criteria were incomplete data on patient or entity and all pseudotumorous lesions.ResultsOut of a total of 7487 musculo-skeletal tumors, 413 cases (5.52%) of foot and ankle tumors were indentified in 409 patients (215 male and 198 female patients). The average age of the affected patients was 36 ± 18 years (min.3 years, max.92 years). There were 266 bone tumors (64%), among them 231 (87%) benign and 35 (13%) malignant tumors. Of 147 soft tissue tumors (36%) 104 (71%) were benign and 43 (29%) malignant. The most frequent benign osseous tumor lesions included juvenile / simple bone cysts, enchondromas and osteochondromas. By far the most frequent malignant bone tumor was chondrosarcoma. Common benign soft tissue tumors included tenosynovial giant cell tumor (including pigmented villo-nodular synovitis), superficial fibromatosis and schwannoma, while the most frequent malignant entities were synovial arcoma and myxofibrosarcoma. In terms of anatomical localization, the hindfoot was most frequently affected.ConclusionsKnowledge of incidence and the corresponding distribution patterns of foot and ankle tumors can help to correctly assess unclear bumps and lumps and to initiate the right steps in further diagnosis and treatment. Ignorance can lead to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment with serious consequences for the affected patient.     

Differentialdiagnose von Knochen- und Weichteiltumoren sowie tumorähnlichen Läsionen der Ferse

Bone tumors of the heel are rare, soft tissue tumors are even less often. Nevertheless, a tumor should always be excluded as the cause of prolonged heel pain. Most of the tumors are benigne whereby calcaneus cysts are most common. Most common malignant tumors are osteosarcomas, chondrosarcomas and Ewing sarcomas. Some of the entities behave similarly to other skeleton regions, others show special characteristics on the foot. First line imaging is conventional X-rays under load. In most cases MRI examination and in some cases an additional CT scan should be supplemented. Histopathological examination is necessary to confirm the definitive diagnosis.     

Differentiating clinical and radiographic features of enchondroma and secondary chondrosarcoma in the foot

BACKGROUND: Enchondroma is the most common benign tumor of the bones of the foot. Chondrosarcoma in this area is relatively rare with malignant transformation from enchondroma occurring rarely. In contrast to similar tumors in the appendicular skeleton, it is difficult to distinguish between these two tumors when they occur in the foot. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records and radiographs of all patients with enchondroma and chondrosarcoma arising from enchondroma (secondary chondrosarcoma) from the radiologic archives at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) and identified those patients with tumors involving the bones of the foot. There were 755 patients with enchondroma of which 34 (4.8%) involved the foot; there were 340 patients with secondary chondrosarcoma and 14 (4.1%) involved the foot. We compared clinical and radiographic features of both these lesions. We also compared interobserver differences not only for diagnosis but also for the presence of scalloping, fracture, cortical destruction, and mineralized matrix. RESULTS: Size and location were statistically significant variables differentiating the two tumors (p = 0.03). Enchondromas had a mean size of 2.7 cm(2). Lesions that occurred in the hindfoot and midfoot were more likely to be malignant compared to those in the forefoot. In comparing interobserver reliability, most disagreement occurred regarding the presence or absence of matrix with the examiners concurring only 51% of the time. With regard to diagnosis, the examiners' accuracy was 71% and 80%. Their accuracy increased only to 83% when they agreed. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that it is difficult to differentiate enchondroma from secondary chondrosarcoma in the foot. Concern for malignant change is warranted for cartilage bone tumors of the foot if they exceed 5 cm(2), or if they arise in the midfoot or hindfoot. In these cases, we recommend either biopsy or close clinical followup.     

Lipome intraosseux du calcanéus : à propos d’une observation

Intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus is a rare, benign, primary bone lesion, frequently misdiagnosed as other tumours, especially unicameral bone cysts. We present the case of a 48-year-old member of the armed services who was diagnosed with intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus and discuss the clinical presentation and treatment choice.     

Benigne zystische Knochenläsionen

Background

Bone cysts are benign tumor-like lesions which often present as a fluid-containing cavity in the bone. They can occur in the skeletal bone as solitary or sometimes multiple bone lesions.

Objectives

This review discusses the diagnostics, radiological appearance and therapeutic strategies of the most important benign cystic bone lesions, such as simple bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, intraosseous ganglia, epidermoid cysts and subchondral cysts. The differential diagnoses with respect to cystoid formations and tumors with cystic components are discussed.

Method

A selective literature search was performed taking own experiences into consideration.

Results

These tumor-like lesions can have the radiological appearance of bone tumors but show no autonomic, stimulus-independent growth and can resolve spontaneously. In the majority of cases open biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases no surgical intervention is necessary (e.g. do not touch and leave me alone lesions), whereas in other cases the focus of treatment is on the prevention and therapy of pathological fractures as well as prevention of recurrence.

Conclusion

Cystic bone formations are among the most commonly occurring non-traumatic bone lesions. To eliminate differential diagnostic unclarity, histological investigation of biopsy material is essential. In terms of surgical intervention there exists a trend towards multimodal therapy mostly based on a meticulous curretage.     

Chondrosarcoma of the foot

Chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant cartilaginous tumor of the bone. It commonly occurs in the pelvis, proximal femur, and shoulder girdle. We present a case of a woman in her mid-50s with chondrosarcoma of the foot--a rare lesion that accounts for 0.5% to 2.97% of all chondrosarcomas. Distinguishing a chondrosarcoma of the foot from an enchondroma can prove difficult because of the greater cellularity and atypia that is allowable for enchondromas of the foot compared with those of other sites. There must be a combined clinical, radiographic, and histologic diagnosis. Treatment for chondrosarcoma is generally wide surgical excision. Chemotherapy or traditional radiation is not effective for most of these lesions.     

Surgical treatment for calcaneal intraosseous lipomas

Intraosseous lipoma is among rare benign tumors of the bone. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term surgical results of calcaneal lipomas, representing a relatively rare localization for this type of tumors.The present study included 21 calcaneal lipoma cases (22 feet) referred to our podiatry clinic between 1991 and 2001 with complaints of foot and heel pain resistant to conservative treatment for the last 3–6 months. In all cases, the diagnosis of calcaneal intraosseous lipoma was first confirmed radiologically, then histologically.The mean age was 39 years (range 16–62), 15 were females (71%) and 6 were males (29%). One patient had bilateral disease, whereas 11 and 9 patients had right and left calcaneal involvement, respectively. None of the patients have a palpable mass in their foot. For pre-operative differential diagnosis, 3 patients had computerized tomography examination (CT scan) and 8 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All lesions were totally curetted out with angled curettes. The defect was filled with cancellous autografts taken from the ipsilateral iliac crest. In only four patients, the amount of autograft was not sufficient, so a combination of cancellous allograft and autograft was used. No drain was used. An elastic bandage was wrapped around the foot and ankle, and cold packs were applied to the surgical site. The mean duration of follow up was 94 (45–143) months. Pain improved in 17 feet at 4 months, in an additional 4 feet at 8 months and in the remaining one foot at 12 months. The mean time to the graft consolidation was 5 months (range 3–7 months). There were no recurrences or pathological fractures during the follow up. No wound infection or necrosis was seen at the surgical sites. There were no neurovascular complications. Five cases experienced pain in the iliac bone for 1 month, due to grafting procedures.Although calcaneal intraosseous lipoma accounts for a small portion of cases in the huge differential diagnosis chart for foot pain, it should be kept in mind as a possible diagnosis in unresolved cases. Most of the patients would benefit from non-surgical treatments. But if this is not the case, surgical treatment is indicated. In conclusion, curettage and autogenous bone grafting is an easy and effective method for the surgical treatment of calcaneal intraosseous lipomas.     

Tumors about the knee in children

Tumors are rare causes of knee symptoms in children but must be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric knee pain in order to avoid errors in treatment that could result in loss of limb or even life. Experience with 199 bone and soft-tissue tumors about the knee in children are reviewed. The majority of lesions were benign bone tumors (n = 101), with osteocartilaginous exostoses, nonossifying fibromas, and chondroblastomas predominating. Malignant bone tumors (n = 59) were less frequent, and osteosarcoma (n = 48) was by far the most common sarcoma. Soft-tissue lesions (n = 31) were much less frequent and included rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and desmoid tumors. A careful history, physical examination, and review of roentgenograms are essential to avoid errors in diagnosis. Malignant tumors require roentgenograms and laboratory studies in sequence to stage the patient. A properly performed biopsy established the diagnosis in most instances. Popliteal cysts, stress fractures, infection, myositis ossificans, histiocytosis, and other lesions can mimic tumors and delay correct diagnosis.     

Metastatic skeletal disease of the foot: case reports and literature review

BACKGROUND: Metastatic disease of the skeleton occurs in at least 20% to 30% of patients with malignancy, but metastasis to the foot and hand (acrometastasis) is extremely rare (0.007% to 0.3%). Metastases to the feet are even rarer and have been reported in half to one-third the rate for hand metastases. Failure to recognize these lesions has led to delayed diagnosis and/or inappropriate treatment. The purpose of this report is to highlight the clinical and radiologic features that aid in the diagnosis and potential treatment of this condition along with a pertinent review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective review of 694 patients with histologically proven metastatic skeletal disease (January 1988 to January 2007), 14 cases of metastatic lesions to the foot were identified. RESULTS: The most frequent primary site was in the genito-urinary system in eight patients and the most common bones involved were the calcaneus and the talus in six patients each. All patients died after a mean survival of 14.8 (range, 1 to 54) months after diagnosis of metastases. CONCLUSION: Although metastatic disease of the foot is rare, it should be considered in the diagnosis of a painful foot, especially if suspicious radiographic changes are present in an older patient. The common primary sites are the genito-urinary, lungs, breast, and the colo-rectum. Treatment is usually palliative to reduce pain and maintain function.     

Solitary bone cyst of the os calcis. 2 Case reports and review of the literature

The calcaneus is a uncommon site for a unicameral solitary bone cyst. However, because of the concentration of forces through the heel, such solitary bone cysts are usually symptomatic, depending on the proximity to the joint and the size of the cyst and therefore require in most cases surgical treatment. This is a report about two patients with a solitary bone cyst of the os calcis in 1996 and 1997. The diagnosis was confirmed radiologically and histologically. The standard therapie in both cases was the curretage of the cyst by packing the defect with bone graft from the pelvis. The author reviewed the literature concerning ethiology, diagnosis and treatment of unicameral solitary bone cysts of the calcaneus. The diagnosis cannot be based solely on radiological findings because of the variation of solitary bone cysts and the special forms, such as calcifying solitary bone cysts. Therefore exact histological diagnosis is of particular importance.     

Conservative surgery for chondrosarcoma of the first metacarpal bone.

A rare case of a chondrosarcoma of the first metacarpal bone is presented. The lesion was radiographically interpreted initially as an enchondroma and treated conventionally by curettage and cancellous autologous bone grafting. After final histology, a low-grade chondrosarcoma was reported. A resection of the entire first metacarpal bone was performed, followed by reconstruction using an autologous corticocancellous bone graft and plate fixation, creating arthrodeses of the adjacent joints. Although isolated enchondromas are considered to have no malignant potential, histological examination is essential to rule out malignancy. A preoperative biopsy should be recommended in lesions suspected to be chondromas. Chondrosarcomas are rarely located in bones of the hand, where they are usually treated by amputation. With the case presented we wish to advocate that cases of low-grade, intraosseous chondrosarcoma (stage IA) can be treated by conservative surgery, especially when it is located in the thumb.     

Solitary bone cyst of the os calcis. 2 Case reports and review of the literature Falldarstellung und Literaturübersicht

The calcaneus is a uncomon site for a unicameral solitary bone cyst. However, because of the concentration of forces through the heel, such solitary bone cysts are usually symptomatic, depending on the proximity to the joint and the size of the cyst and therefore require in most cases surgical treatment. This is a report about two patients with a solitary bone cyst of the os calcis in 1996 and 1997. The diagnosis was confirmed radiologically and histologically. The standard therapie in both cases was the curretage of the cyst by packing the defect with bone graft from the pelvis. The author reviewed the literature concerning ethiology, diagnosis and treatment of unicameral solitary bone cysts of the calcaneus. The diagnosis cannot be based solely on radiological findings because of the variation of solitary bone cysts and the special forms, such as calcifying solitary bone cysts. Therefore exact histological diagnosis is of particular importance.     

单中心170 例足踝部肿瘤及瘤样病变临床分析

 目的 探讨足踝部肿瘤和瘤样病变的流行病学特点、临床表现以及恶性肿瘤的预后。方法 通过对25年间170例足踝部肿瘤及瘤样病变的临床资料进行回顾性分析,并对恶性肿瘤进行随访,分析其年龄和性别分布、临床表现、肿瘤组织类型、解剖学部位分布、肿瘤大小与良恶性的关系以及恶性肿瘤的预后。结果 170例足踝部肿瘤及瘤样病变中,男91例,女79例。骨肿瘤51例,软组织肿瘤119例。良性126例,恶性44例。年龄7个月~76岁,中位年龄32岁,平均年龄33.1岁。良性肿瘤以10~19岁和20~29岁最多,平均年龄29.54岁;恶性肿瘤以40~49岁和50~59岁最多,平均年龄为43.73岁。临床出现皮损往往提示恶性肿瘤。足踝部肿瘤主要以软组织肿瘤和良性肿瘤为主。软组织良性肿瘤以腱鞘巨细胞瘤最为多见;骨的良性肿瘤以甲下外生骨疣和内生软骨瘤最为多见。软组织恶性肿瘤以黑色素瘤和滑膜肉瘤最为常见。骨的原发恶性肿瘤和转移瘤均非常罕见。前足是肿瘤好发的解剖学部位。软组织肿瘤的大小与良恶性没有相关性,骨肿瘤的肿瘤大小与良恶性显著相关。44例恶性肿瘤中16例采用保肢术,28例截肢(趾)。平均随访时间32.4月,6例无瘤存活,5年无瘤生存率16.13%。结论足踝部肿瘤和瘤样病变以软组织肿瘤和良性肿瘤最为常见,恶性肿瘤发病年龄较高,出现皮损提示恶性肿瘤可能,前足是肿瘤的好发部位,骨肿瘤大小与良恶性相关,恶性肿瘤的预后较差。     

Osseous lipoma: eleven new cases and review of the literature

This study describes the clinical features, radiological appearance, and treatment of 11 new cases of osseous lipoma and reviews 301 other cases in the literature. Osseous lipomas are classified by the site of origin: either within bone (intraosseous lipoma) or on the surface of bone (juxtacortical). Intraosseous lipomas include intramedullary and intracortical lesions. Surface lipomas include subperiosteal and parosteal lesions. The authors added their cases to those found in the literature. Intramedullary osseous lipoma (n=262) : the most common presenting symptoms were pain and swelling (69%). The most frequent localisations were the calcaneus (24%) and the femur (22%). On plain radiographs, these lesions consisted of a well-circumscribed radiolucent area with central calcification and a sclerotic rim, occasionally with cortical expansion. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the lesions had attenuation values and a signal intensity identical to that of adipose tissue. In symptomatic lesions and in cases with impending fracture, operative treatment was indicated. Parosteal lipoma (n=47): the most common presenting symptoms were local swelling and pain (58%). This lesion was most frequent in the radius (31%) and in the femur (23%). The classic radiographic appearance of parosteal lipoma was that of an exostosis-like bony prominence capped with a radiolucent layer of fat. CT-scan and MRI showed similar features. Intracortical (n=2) and subperiosteal lipomas (n=11): only a few cases were found in the literature. Their localisation differs from that of the other osseous lipomas. The differential diagnosis of osseous lipoma in general is extensive and should include benign and malignant tumours. Combination of radiological and histological data is essential to determine whether an osseous lipoma is actually present.     

Primary neoplasms of the carpal bones.

Primary neoplasms of the carpal bones are rare. We found 44 primary tumors of the carpal bones of 26,800 bone neoplasms (prevalence, 0.16%). Original histologic slides and original radiographs were reviewed in 36 and 29 cases, respectively. Thirty-eight tumors (86%) were benign; 6 (14%) were malignant. The average patient age was 35 years. Benign lesions were diagnosed at a younger age (32 years) than malignant lesions (58 years). Benign tumors occurred more frequently in males (23 of 38 patients); the 6 malignant lesions were equally distributed by gender (3 males and 3 females; 95% confidence interval, 11.8-88.2). The most common tumor was osteoid osteoma (11 cases); the most common malignant neoplasm was hemangioendothelial sarcoma (3). The most common locations were the scaphoid (13 cases) and capitate (10), which together accounted for 52% of all neoplasms. Tumors were identified in every carpal bone except the trapezium. The diagnosis of tumor in a carpal bone should be considered in the undiagnosed painful wrist, especially in younger patients without imaging abnormalities.