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Orthopedics & Traumatology

Unicameral Bone Cyst (UBC), Calcaneus

ICD-10 Code
M85.47

Fluid-filled benign cyst in the heel bone, which may predispose to pathologic fractures.

Clinical Presentation & Protocol

Patient Usually Complains Of

Patient presents with [chronic/acute] heel pain localized to the [medial/lateral/plantar] aspect of the calcaneus. Symptoms exacerbated by weight-bearing and physical activity. No history of acute trauma. Denies constitutional symptoms, night pain, or systemic illness. Imaging confirms a well-defined, lucent, fluid-filled lesion within the calcaneus consistent with a unicameral bone cyst (UBC).

Clinical Examination Findings

Inspection of the heel reveals no erythema, edema, or deformity. Palpation demonstrates localized tenderness over the calcaneal body. Range of motion of the subtalar and ankle joints is within normal limits. Neurovascular status is intact with palpable dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. No signs of soft tissue mass or localized warmth.

Treatment Protocol

Treatment plan includes activity modification and weight-bearing as tolerated. If symptomatic or at high risk of pathologic fracture, consider intralesional corticosteroid injection, bone grafting, or curettage. Serial radiographic monitoring every [3/6] months to assess lesion size and cortical integrity. Orthotic support may be provided for symptomatic relief.

Detailed clinical guide coming soon.