Introduction
A navicular fracture can cause significant pain and make walking or moving around difficult. Getting expert surgical care quickly can help your foot heal and prevent future problems. Dr. Nick Argerakis, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, leads the team at New Jersey Foot Surgeons, offering personalized care to help you heal.
Key Takeaways:
- Navicular fractures result from trauma or repetitive stress and can severely impact mobility.
- Surgery is essential for complex, displaced, or non-healing fractures.
- The procedure involves realigning the bone with screws, plates, or grafts to restore functionality.
- Recovery includes immobilization, physical therapy, and gradual return to activities.
- Expert care is available at New Jersey Foot Surgeons, led by Dr. Nick Argerakis.
What Is a Navicular Fracture?
The navicular bone sits in the middle of your foot and helps support your arch while evenly distributing your weight. A navicular fracture occurs when this bone is broken, often due to trauma or repetitive stress. Athletes like runners and soccer players are more likely to develop these fractures because of the repeated stress on their feet.
These fractures are classified into two categories:
1. Traumatic fractures: Resulting from a direct impact, such as a fall or collision.
2. Stress fractures: Caused by overuse and repeated stress on the bone.
Causes and Symptoms
Spotting the symptoms early and getting professional treatment can keep the problem from getting worse. Navicular fractures often result from either acute trauma or chronic stress. Acute causes include falls, vehicle accidents, or direct impacts, while stress fractures typically arise from repetitive activities like running or jumping.
Symptoms may include midfoot pain that worsens with activity, swelling along the arch, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. If left untreated, these fractures can lead to significant mobility issues and chronic discomfort, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention.
Why Does a Navicular Fracture Require Surgery?
While some navicular fractures can heal with non-surgical methods like casting and rest, surgery is often required for more severe cases, including:
- Displaced fractures where the bone fragments are misaligned.
- Fractures that fail to heal after conservative treatment.
- Open fractures, where the bone pierces the skin.
- Stress fractures with poor blood supply to the area.
Surgery helps the bones heal correctly by aligning and stabilizing them, reducing the chances of long-term pain or deformities.
How Is Navicular Fracture Surgery Performed?
Navicular fracture surgery focuses on repairing the bone and helping your foot work normally again. The process begins with a preoperative evaluation using advanced imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine the severity and location of the fracture. You’ll have either general or regional anesthesia during surgery to keep you comfortable.
During surgery, the doctor carefully realigns the broken pieces of bone and holds them in place with screws, plates, or pins, depending on how severe the fracture is. In cases where the bone is severely damaged, bone grafting may be required to promote healing. Finally, the incision is closed using sutures, and the foot is immobilized in a cast or boot to facilitate recovery.
What Is the Recovery Process After Surgery?
Healing after navicular fracture surgery takes time, along with dedication to your recovery plan. The timeline typically includes:
Initial Rest Period (0-6 weeks):
o Your foot will be kept in a cast or boot to protect it while it heals.
o You’ll need to avoid putting weight on your foot to give the bone a chance to heal properly.
Physical Therapy (6-12 weeks):
o Light exercises will help you regain movement, build strength, and improve flexibility.
o You’ll slowly start putting weight on your foot, guided by your physical therapist.
Full Recovery (3-6 months):
o By this stage, many people are able to get back to their usual routines
o If you’re an athlete, you might need extra time and training before returning to your sport.
What Are the Potential Complications of Navicular Fracture Surgery?
While navicular fracture surgery has a high success rate, complications can occur. These may include:
- Infection: Taking care of your wound can help prevent infections after surgery.
- Nonunion: Sometimes, the bone doesn’t heal completely, and additional treatment might be needed.
- Nerve Damage: In rare cases, nearby nerves might be affected, causing numbness or tingling in the foot.
- Arthritis: Over time, some people might experience stiffness or arthritis in the middle of the foot.
Who Is the Best Candidate for Navicular Fracture Surgery?
Candidates for surgery typically include:
- People with severe or misaligned fractures.
- Those who haven’t had success with non-surgical treatments.
- Active people, like athletes, who need their foot to perform at its best.
Where Can You Get Expert Navicular Fracture Treatment Surgery in New Jersey?
At New Jersey Foot Surgeons, led by Dr. Nick Argerakis, you’ll receive personalized care from a team of experienced professionals. Using advanced technology and a patient-first approach, the clinic is dedicated to helping you get the best results.
Dr. Nick Argerakis is an experienced foot and ankle surgeon who specializes in treating complex navicular fractures. With his skill and experience, Dr. Argerakis provides care that’s both effective and compassionate.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Navicular Fracture?
If you’re experiencing symptoms like midfoot pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, seek medical attention immediately. Delaying treatment can worsen the fracture and lead to complications.
Early intervention not only improves the chances of successful healing but also reduces recovery time. Whether you’re an athlete looking to get back on the field or someone striving for pain-free mobility, expert care is just a phone call away.
Conclusion
A navicular fracture can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. When non-surgical treatments aren’t enough, navicular fracture surgery offers a reliable solution for restoring foot functionality. With expert care from Dr. Nick Argerakis at New Jersey Foot Surgeons, you’ll be on the path to recovery in no time.
Take the first step toward pain relief and restored mobility. Call (732)-320-9173 to schedule your consultation today.
