Minimal curettage, multiple drilling, and continuous decompression through a cannulated screw for treatment of calcaneal simple bone cysts in children

This report concerns a series of 12 patients with simple bone cysts of the calcaneus, who were treated between 1988 and 2000 by a minimal surgical intervention of curettage, multiple drilling and continuous decompression through insertion of a cannulated screw. Inserted screws were made of titanium in 8 cases and ceramics in 4 cases. The mean operative time was 58.8 +/- 25.4 minutes, and complete healing was achieved in 11 cases after 9.2 +/- 6.4 months. One patient needed an additional surgery for replacement of a titanium screw. Final results were excellent after a mean follow up of 91 +/- 52.1 months. This series of patients represents one of the largest reported series of calcaneal simple bone cyst in conjunction with long-term follow-up. Our technique of minimal curettage, drilling and continuous decompression with a cannulated screw insertion is considered to be a good option for management of simple bone cysts of the calcaneus.