Navicular Stress Fractures – a Clinical Update

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.