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The symptomatic accessory tarsal navicular bone: assessment with MR imaging
T T Miller1, R B Staron, F Feldman
1Department of Radiology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Radiology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify bone marrow edema patterns in symptomatic accessory navicular bones, suggesting chronic stress or osteonecrosis. This finding aids in diagnosing foot pain and guiding treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Podiatry
Background:
- Accessory navicular bone is a common foot variant.
- Symptomatic accessory navicular bone can cause foot pain.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate MRI signal intensity patterns in symptomatic accessory navicular bones.
- To determine if these patterns indicate abnormalities causing foot pain.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with accessory navicular bone and foot pain underwent bilateral foot MRI.
- T1-weighted spin-echo and T2-weighted fat-suppressed sequences were utilized.
- Radiographs were used for initial assessment.
Main Results:
- Five patients with focal medial foot pain showed a bone marrow edema pattern (BMEP) in the accessory navicular bone.
- Three of these patients also had BMEP in the adjacent navicular tuberosity.
- Two patients with vague pain had no abnormalities on MRI; one of two surgically treated patients showed osteonecrosis.
Conclusions:
- BMEP in symptomatic accessory navicular bones suggests chronic stress or osteonecrosis.
- MRI findings provide an objective basis for managing foot pain related to this condition.
- This can guide surgical or conservative treatment strategies.