Cementoma of the calcaneus: a case report

BACKGROUND: The cementoma is a common disease of the dental root apex, which generally occurs in the maxilla and the mandible, but the cementoma occurring in the long bone is rare. Moreover, the incidence of cementoma in the calcaneus is extremely infrequent. CASE PRESENTATION: The present study reports an unusual case of a 19-year-old girl, who complained of pain in the left heel. Subsequent radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were used in the diagnosis. The imaging features of the lesion included a radiopaque matrix and radiolucent tissue, particularly an arc-shaped fat band. An excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cementoma in the calcaneus. After the operation, the patient was followed up without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging examination plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of cementoma of the calcaneus.