Accessory Navicular Removal

Surgical Treatments for a Painful Accessory Navicular

Before reading this page, please see Accessory Navicular under the FOOT menu for more information.

There are two surgical treatments for a painful accessory navicular that has not responded to non-surgical treatment:
  • accessory navicular removal
  • accessory navicular screw fixation.
Other procedures may be recommended at the same time (calf lengthening, sinus tarsi implant, Cotton osteotomy). See Flat Foot Reconstruction for more information.

Most symptomatic people undergo accessory navicular removal. Screw fixation is only an option when the accessory bone is very large.

Accessory Navicular Removal

This surgical procedure involves excising the accessory navicular and reattaching the tibialis posterior tendon onto the remaining navicular. It is also known as the modified Kidner procedure.

It is done through a 4 cm incision.

Surgery:
  • is often Day Surgery
  • requires a general anaesthetic in most people
  • takes 45 minutes.
First 2 weeks:
  • bandage
  • "moon-boot" and crutches
  • rest, elevation and ice (RICE)
  • ankle and foot movements
  • post-operative appointment.
Next 4 weeks:
  • "moon-boot" and crutches
  • RICE as needed
  • physiotherapy-guided strengthening program.
Next 3 months:
  • shoes with insoles or orthotics
  • exercise bike and pool-based activities
  • return to sports specific training then sport.
Benefits and risks:
  • 95% of people are helped by surgery
  • the size of the prominence is reduced
  • 5% of people are not helped by surgery
  • <1% of people are made worse by surgery.
Consequences and complications:

IMPORTANT

If you have any questions about your planned procedure, contact Dr Beamond before the day of surgery.

The information on this page is of a general nature and does not replace the informed consent process. Other consequences and risks specific (material) to the individual must be discussed prior to surgery.
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