Clinics in diagnostic imaging (195). Plantar fibromatosis

A 46-year-old man presented with a six-month history of lumps in the sole of his left foot. Physical examination revealed two nodules, one tender and one firm, at the plantar left foot with no overlying skin changes. Although the initial radiographs were normal, magnetic resonance imaging of the left foot demonstrated two nodules along the medial band of the plantar fascia, characteristic of plantar fibromas. The patient opted for surgical excision. There was no further recurrence of symptoms after surgery. We describe the clinical and radiological features of plantar fibromatosis and briefly discuss other causes of lumps and pain in the sole of the foot.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (170)

A 30-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of left posterior heel pain. Physical examination revealed a tender, inflamed and indurated posterior heel with a visible bony prominence of the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus. Lateral ankle radiography showed a prominent left posterosuperior calcaneal tuberosity and thickening of the distal Achilles tendon outline. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated high-signal inflammatory fluid in the retrocalcaneal bursa, increased signal intensity and thickening of the Achilles tendon, and prominence of the posterior calcaneus tuberosity with reactive marrow oedema. The findings are consistent with Haglund's deformity. The patient underwent hind foot surgery after failing a six-month course of conservative therapy. There was no further recurrence of symptoms after surgery. The clinical and radiological features of Haglund's deformity are described, including a short discussion of other causes of hind foot pain.