Management and retrospective analysis of tumors and tumor-like lesions localized in the talus

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the characterization and follow-up results of tumors and tumor-like lesions in the talus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (15 males, 6 females; mean age: 31.6±17 years; range, 4 to 67 years) with benign and malignant tumors or tumor-like lesions in the talus region treated and followed in our clinic between January 2007 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Radiological, pathological, surgical, and demographic features were scanned from the database. RESULTS: Patients were followed for mean 80±45.1 (range, 25 to 156) months. The most common complaint was pain and antalgic gait. Benign bone tumors were found in 15 (71%) of 21 patients, while tumor-like lesions (two intraosseous ganglia, osteomyelitis, and bone infarction) were found in four patients. The remaining two were patients with lung and bladder cancer metastasis. Lesion size was mean 2.1±0.5 (range, 1.1 to 3.3) cm. Recurrence developed in 14.3% (n=3) of the patients during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The talus is a rare location for tumors; however, benign and malignant tumors and tumor-like lesions may be localized in the talus.