SEVER DISEASE

            Male patient, 12-year of age, left heel pain for several months. Calcaneus x-ray showed sclerosis and possible nucleus fragmentation. Bone scan depicted increased osteoblastic activity in the left calcaneus (arrows). After avoiding exercise patient improved.

            Calcaneal apophysitis (or Sever's disease) is a common cause of heel pain in young athletes, presenting as pain in the posterior aspect of the calcaneus, due to traction over the calcaneus. In 60% of cases is bilateral (1).

References:

1   Cassas KJ, Cassettari-Wayhs A. Am Fam Physician. Childhood and adolescent sports-related overuse injuries. 2006; 73(6): 1014-22.


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