Accessory Navicular
What is an accessory navicular?
An accessory navicular is an extra bone in the foot that some people are born with. It is a common condition, found in approximately 12% of the population. In the majority of patients it causes no symptoms.
What causes an accessory navicular?
An accessory navicular is an extra bone that some people are born with. It is thought to be inherited and is often associated with flatfeet deformities.
What are the symptoms of an accessory navicular?
Patients with an accessory navicular typically have no symptoms. For some patients it may become painful later in life with increased pain with walking, running and activities.
How is an accessory navicular diagnosed?
An accessory navicular is diagnosed by thorough history and physical examination. X-rays are typically ordered to look for the presence of the extra bone. An MRI may also be useful to assess for inflammation of the accessory navicular and surrounding tissues.
How is an accessory navicular treated?
Nonsurgical treatment
Conservative treatment for accessory navicular is focused on resting the area and is often achieved with use of a cast or walking boot, ice, activity modification and anti-inflammatory medications.
Operative treatment
Operative treatment can be necessary in patients who fail conservative therapy. The Kidner procedure is the most common surgical treatment for a painful accessory navicular. This procedure involves detaching the posterior tibial tendon from the bone and then removing the extra bone. The tendon is then reattached to the normal navicular bone.