Navicular Fractures
As a result of an accident, or repetitive activity the bone in front of the ankle joint, the navicular can fracture. This can be a devastating injury which can be very difficult to treat. There is a risk of interruption of the blood supply to the bone (avascular necrosis) as this can be damaged with injury. This is more common in athletes and high levels of play.
Pain the circled region is typical of presentation with this type of injury. In most cases surgery will be recommended to minimise the chances that the fracture does not heal (non union) and will reduce the time to return to activities.
A CT scan or MRI scan will be organised in all cases to diagnose the fracture completely and plan surgery.
If surgery is recommended, this can often be done through small incisions. It will require a period (6-8 weeks) of non weight bearing after surgery.
Surgeries performed for this condition include: