Calcaneal bone cyst (unicameral bone cyst)

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Posttraumatic pain of the right ankle

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
Frontal
Lateral
Download
Info

There is a well-defined radio-lucent lesion of the calcaneus with thin sclerotic margins, and thinning of the adjacent cortex. No periosteal reaction or cortical breach is seen.

This study is a stack
Axial
non-contrast
This study is a stack
Sagittal
reconstruction
This study is a stack
Sagittal
bone window
This study is a stack
Coronal
bone window
Download
Info

The previously described calcaneal lucent lesion shows a homogeneous central fluid attenuation (15 HU) with no fluid-fluid level, fatty component or central calcification.

Case Discussion

X-rays and CT scan are highly suggestive of an incidental simple bone cyst also known as a unicameral bone cyst.

On simple x-rays, a lipoma, and pseudocyst should be included in the differential diagnosis. 

Additional contributor: R. Bouguelaa, ND

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

:

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.