Surgical treatment of tarsal navicular fractures

Abstract

Objective To discuss operative methods and effects for different types of tarsal navicular fractures. Methods Fourteen patients with tarsal navicular fractures were treated in our department from May 2001 to April 2009. There were 9 males and 5 females, with an average age of 36.5 years (range, 19 to 53 years). According to the conventional fracture classification, 2 of them had dorsal avulsion fractures, one tuberosity avulsion fracture and the other 11 body fractures. The body fractures were further classified by the Sangeorzan system: one type Ⅰ, 7 type Ⅱ and 3 type Ⅲ. Different surgical treatments were selected for different types of the fracture. Results All the patients were followed up for 25.6 months on average (range, 12 to 40 months). The mean time of bone union was 11.3 weeks (range, 10 to 15 weeks). By the Ankle and Hindfoot score system of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), the mean score was 87.6(ranging from 37 to 100)at the last follow-up. Conclusion To achieve satisfactory outcomes for tarsal navicular fractures, a reasonable surgical procedure and appropriate internal fixation should be chosen according to the specific fracture types. Key words: Foot; Scaphoid bone; Fractures; Fracture fixation, internal