Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of Calcaneum in a Young Adult: A Rare Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally aggressive osteolytic lesion that commonly affects long bones and vertebrae. Involvement of the calcaneum is rare and presents a unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its weight-bearing nature.

CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old male presented with pain in the left heel for 6 months, insidious in onset and progressive in nature, aggravated by weight bearing. Clinical examination revealed localized tenderness over the calcaneum. Radiographs showed an expansile osteolytic lesion with cortical thinning. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a multiloculated cystic lesion with multiple fluid-fluid levels suggestive of ABC. The patient underwent extended curettage and autologous cancellous bone grafting and bone substitute. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ABC. At 6 months follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Calcaneal ABC is a rare entity that should be considered in young patients presenting with chronic heel pain. Imaging aids in diagnosis, but histopathology is mandated. Extended curettage with bone grafting is an effective treatment option with good functional outcomes and low recurrence rates.