Bone Tumors of the Foot and Ankle: Clinical Results of 26 Consecutive Cases

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the clinical results of 26 consecutive cases of foot and ankle bone tumors treated at our hospital, 1992-2006. Methods: Cases were composed of 20 benign and 6 malignant lesions. Benign tumors were managed with curettage, burring and phenol cauterization. Of malignant lesions, 4 were managed with wide excision and limb salvage surgery; 1 received below-knee amputation. Epidemiology, tumor characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes were statistically analyzed. Outcomes included union time, surgical complications, recurrence and survival rate. Results: In the benign group, at mean follow-up of 59 months (range, 6-66 months), three patients had recurrence and three were completely healed. Two were managed successfully with a second treatment of curettage, burring and phenol cauterization. One received below-knee amputation due to intolerable pain. Union rate was 79% and all patients had good ankle function. In the malignant group, at mean follow-up of 37 months (range, 4-73 months), 15 patients had fully recovered. One chondrosarcoma patient had recurrence and below knee amputation but later died of distant metastasis. One osteogenic sarcoma patient received below-knee amputation and died of distant metastasis. Conclusion: Curettage, burring and phenol cauterization led to low recurrence, high union rate and good ankle function. Early diagnosis is the key to lower recurrence of such bone tumors. With careful planning and utilization of flap reconstruction, limb salvage may be successful, even for malignant lesions.