Name of the Procedure:

Excision or Curettage of Bone Cyst or Benign Tumor, Talus or Calcaneus

Summary

This procedure involves the removal (excision) or scraping (curettage) of a bone cyst or benign tumor located in the talus or calcaneus bones of the foot. It aims to eliminate abnormal bone growths and alleviate associated symptoms.

Purpose

The procedure addresses bone cysts or benign tumors that can cause pain, swelling, or structural problems in the foot. The goal is to remove these growths to prevent further complications, reduce pain, and restore normal foot function.

Indications

• Persistent pain in the ankle or heel
• Swelling or a noticeable lump in the affected area
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the foot
• Risk of fracture or further bone damage
• Non-responsiveness to conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy

Preparation

• Follow fasting instructions if general anesthesia will be used.
• Discuss any medications with your doctor; you may need to stop certain drugs before the procedure.
• Pre-procedure imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to assess the size and location of the cyst or tumor.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned to provide the best access to the affected area.
2. Anesthesia is administered. General anesthesia may be used, or local anesthesia with sedation.
3. A small incision is made over the talus or calcaneus bone.
4. The surgeon carefully excises or curettes the bone cyst or benign tumor, removing abnormal tissue while preserving as much healthy bone as possible.
5. Sometimes, a bone graft may be used to fill in the defect left by the removal.
6. The incision is closed with sutures, and a dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Operating room technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Damage to surrounding tissues
• Incomplete removal of the tumor or cyst
• Recurrence of the cyst or tumor
• Anesthesia-related risks

Benefits

• Relief from pain and discomfort
• Improved foot function and mobility
• Prevention of fractures and further bone damage
• Generally, improvements are noticed shortly after recovery.

Recovery

• Keep the foot elevated and avoid weight-bearing activities initially.
• Follow wound care instructions to prevent infection.
• Attend follow-up appointments for progress monitoring.
• Physical therapy may be recommended to restore full function.
• Complete recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Alternatives

• Watchful waiting for changes in the cyst or tumor
• Non-surgical treatments, such as aspiration or injection of steroids
• Radiation therapy in rare cases
• Pros and cons to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort or pain managed with prescribed painkillers.
• Some swelling and bruising around the incision site.
• Use crutches or a walker initially to avoid putting weight on the foot.
• Gradual return to normal activities as healing progresses.

Pain management includes prescribed medications and keeping the affected foot elevated to reduce swelling.