Sonography of a case series of talar callosities

Abstract

Talar callosity is an uncommon condition characterized by asymptomatic hyperkeratotic plaques located on the dorsum of one or both feet. We have detected an increased number of children presenting with this condition after the COVID-19 lockdown. High-frequency ultrasound was performed in all patients who consulted because of talar callosity. All four cases shared similar ultrasound findings: thickening of the epidermis with effacement of the subepidermal low-echogenic band and diffuse thickening of the dermis and subcutaneous cellular tissue, with a diffuse decrease in echogenicity. The bone cortex was respected in all cases. No increase in vascularization was detected. Although it is a benign condition, it is important to recognize talar callosity to exclude worse conditions and to prevent unnecessary biopsies. To our knowledge, we are the first to describe ultrasonographic findings of talar callosity.