Navicular Stress Fractures – a Clinical Update

Article type: Research Article

Authors: De Burca, N^;

Affiliations: Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick | University Hospital, Galway

Note: [] Correspondence to: Neasa De Burca. Email: neasa.deburca@ul.ie

Abstract: Navicular stress fractures (NSF) are among the most common stress fractures seen in athletes and yet frequently their diagnosis is delayed. These fractures are high risk for non-union due to the poor vascularity of the middle one third of the navicular bone. For effective and efficient management of this condition it is imperative that the diagnosis is made without delay to allow early treatment. This paper reviews clinical aspects of navicular stress fractures bringing to the readers' attention pertinent aspects of the subjective and objective examination, differential diagnosis, investigations, pathophysiology, management, prognosis and complications.

Keywords: Stress fracture, navicular

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-2009-30209

Journal: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 37-40, 2009