LATENT ONSET UNILATERAL TOE-WALKING SECONDARY TO HEMANGIOMA OF THE GASTROCNEMIUS

Acquired unilateral pes planus due to hemangioma of the gastrocnemius is an unusual and rarely reported event. In recent years, three children with latent onset unilateral toe-walking due to hemangioma of the proximal gastrocnemius have received treatment at our facility. This report details the usual clinical syndrome and presents postsurgical results. Our experience suggests that in children, a presumptive diagnosis of benign hemangioma of gastrocnemius can be predicated on the basis of history, clinical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory assessment. In contrast to previous reports recommending primary tumor resection, isolated open tendoachilles lengthening can provide acceptable results with minimum morbidity.