Navicular Stress Fracture Treatment in a Professional Athlete: A Surgical Technique And Postoperative Protocol

Background: Navicular stress fractures are rare with increased prevalence in athletes. Repetitive motion in sports can overload the navicular creating microfractures resulting in structural insufficiency. In athletes, the literature suggests surgical fixation for type II and type III fractures demonstrates a quicker and more predictable return to sport and lower rate of nonunion compared with nonoperative treatment. The present paper outlines a detailed surgical technique and postoperative protocol for treatment of navicular stress fractures. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation and use of a bone stimulator are used in concert with a period of 6 weeks of non-weight bearing. The present protocol allows for release to high-impact sports as early as 4.5 months after surgery. Level of Evidence: Level 5.