Navicular stress fractures : an evaluation

Abstract

The navicular stress fracture is an uncommon condition, which affects athletes competing at high levels. As the condition is uncommon amongst the public in general, most of the times it is not taken into consideration. As most of the navicular stress fractures are incomplete, it is hard to diagnose the condition with plain radiography. This research project was designed to evaluate the different 1magmg modalities m diagnosing this condition. The data were gathered from various articles, which studied the aetiological and diagnostic factors of the navicular stress fracture. On the basis of the literature reviewed, the researcher concluded that the best imaging modality to diagnose the navicular stress fracture is Computed Tomography as it proved to be the most efficient imaging modality for diagnosis. On the basis of these findings, recommendations on how to diagnose the condition promptly and thus reducing further extent of the injury are proposed.