Overview of the Primary Tumors and Tumor-Mimicking Lesions of the Cuboid Bone

Purpose or Learning Objective: Primary tumors and tumor-mimicking lesions of the cuboid bone are rarely described in the literature. The cuboid bone, a tarsal bone located in the midfoot, is an uncommon site of primary bone lesions. We describe the primary tumors and tumor mimics that can occur in the cuboid bone and need to be considered when evaluating lesions of the cuboid. We also provide a brief overview of diagnosis and management in this largest and only case series on tumor and tumor-mimicking lesions of the cuboid.

Methods or Background: A retrospective review of the radiology and oncology databases at a tertiary orthopaedic center was conducted to identify all cases of cuboid lesions diagnosed over a 30-year period. A consultant radiologist and a specialist interested in bone and soft tissue oncology reviewed all imaging. Patients with no imaging available were excluded.

Results or Findings: A total of eight cases were identified. The median age of our cohort was 15.5 years (range: 7–54) with a female preponderance of 1.7:1 (5 females and 3 males). Five tumor cases were found—two osteoid osteomas (25%), one bone cyst (12.5%), one aneurysmal bone cyst (12.5%), and one Ewing's sarcoma (12.5%), and three tumor mimics: one fracture (12.5%), one arthropathy (12.5%), and one infection (tuberculosis) (12.5%). All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiofrequency ablation was used in the two patients with osteoid osteoma.

Conclusion: We suggest that clinicians be aware of these conditions when evaluating lesions of the cuboid.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 May 2023