IMAGE OF THE WEEK 2012

WEEK 25

 

Köhler disease

 

 

 

 

Figure 1: X-ray of the right foot.

(Click to enlarge picture)

 

 

Köhler disease is an avascular necrosis (AVN) of the navicular bone in the midfoot.

It typically occurs in the paediatric population, in particular between the ages of 4 - 6 years age.

A vascular incident is suspected, like in other forms of AVN elsewhere, but this is aetiology has not been proven.

The navicular loses a considerable volume (it becomes thin like an ice-cream wafer) and is typically fragmented and sclerotic.

The name Kohler’s disease is given to this specific site, as for example Frieberg’s disease is used for the same process in the second metatarsal head.

 

 

Figure 3: X-ray of the right foot showing the AVM of the navicular bone (black line arrow). (Click to enlarge picture)

 

 

 

 

Images and text contributed and prepared by

Dr Ian Bickle, Department of Radiology,

All images are copyrighted and property of RIPAS Hospital.

 

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