Percutaneous drilling of symptomatic accessory navicular in young athletes

Am J Sports Med. 2005 Apr;33(4):531-5. doi: 10.1177/0363546504270564. Epub 2005 Feb 8.

Abstract

Background: Results of percutaneous drilling for symptomatic type II accessory tarsal navicular bone are not determined.

Hypothesis: Percutaneous drilling of accessory navicular synchondrosis will induce or accelerate bone union between the accessory and primary navicular bones. Bone union of the synchondrosis leads to symptomatic relief.

Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Thirty-one feet of 29 patients with type II accessory tarsal navicular treated by percutaneous drilling were reviewed.

Results: Twenty-four feet (77.4%) were assessed as excellent, 6 (19.4%) as good, and 1 (3.2%) as fair. No feet were assessed as poor. Bone union was obtained in 16 (80%) of the 20 feet when the proximal phalanx of the great toe was immature and in 2 of the 11 feet when it was mature.

Conclusion: Percutaneous drilling of the synchondrosis was effective for a symptomatic type II accessory navicular, especially in patients with immature proximal phalanx of the great toe.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods
  • Radiography
  • Sports*
  • Tarsal Bones / abnormalities
  • Tarsal Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Tarsal Bones / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome