Calcaneal Intraosseous Lipoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: This case report is presented to increase awareness among clinicians about the existence of this rare cause of calcaneal pain. Intraosseous lipoma is a rare, benign primary tumour occurring in the bone We report a 40-year-old lady who presented with the history of one week old trauma with pain in the lateral aspect of right ankle which was clinically diagnosed to be right lateral collateral ligament sprain. The radiographs of the right ankle and heel incidentally revealed a lytic lesion. The patient had no symptoms persisting to foot and heel. MRI of right foot was suggestive of calcaneal stage 2 intra osseous lipoma. In view of the subchondral location of the lesion, prophylactically the lesion was treated with curettage and bone grafting to prevent the pathological fracture. The post-operative radiographs demonstrated continued remodelling and healing of the graft site. The patient was followed up on an OPD basis and made a full recovery with good patient compliance. Even though this tumour is rare, there is a need for physicians to recognize its radiological findings and offer the appropriate treatment options. It is also important for primary care physicians to be aware that there are other causes of heel pain than the common suspects. Keywords: Intraosseous lipoma, Heel pain, Lytic lesion, Benign primary tumour