Abstract
Primary bone tumours of the talus are rare. Currently the existing literature is limited to a single case series and case reports or cases described in series of foot tumours. Information regarding the patient's demographics and tumour types is therefore limited.
The aim of this study was to investigate these questions and also suggest a management protocol for suspected primary bone tumours of the talus. We retrospectively reviewed the Scottish Bone Tumour Register from January 1954 to May 2010 and included all primary bone tumours of the talus. We identified only twenty three bone tumours over fifty six years highlighting the rarity of these tumours. There were twenty benign and three malignant tumours with a mean age of twenty eight years. A delay in presentation was common with a mean time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of ten months. Tumour types identified were consistent with previous literature. We identified cases of desmoplastic fibroma and intraosseous lipodystrophy described for the first time.
We suggest an investigatory and treatment protocol for patients with a suspected primary bone tumour of the talus. This is the largest series of primary bone tumours of the talus in the literature.
