What Is The “Kidner Procedure”? Do I Need It?
The human foot is a marvel of anatomy, consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments that all work together to enable walking, running and movement. But sometimes, foot anatomy can vary from the norm in ways that lead to pain and discomfort. One such variation is the presence of an “extra” or “accessory” navicular bone.
What is an Accessory Navicular Bone?
The navicular is one of the tarsal bones located on the inside of the midfoot. In about 2.5% of the population, an extra bone called the accessory navicular develops adjacent to the regular navicular bone. This extra bone is present from birth.
In many cases, the accessory navicular causes no problems. Unfortunately, it can cause pain though! In some people, it can rub against the posterior tibial tendon, which attaches the calf muscles to the bones on the inside of the foot. Over time, this irritation can lead to a painful condition called accessory navicular syndrome.
Common symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome include:
- Chronic pain and tenderness on the inside of the foot and ankle
- Visible bony prominence or bump
- Redness and swelling
- Pain that worsens with activity and subsides with rest
- Difficulty wearing shoes due to irritation
If conservative treatments like rest, ice, orthotics and physical therapy fail to provide relief, surgical removal of the accessory navicular may be recommended. This procedure is known as the Kidner procedure.
What Happens During the Kidner Procedure?
The Kidner procedure is typically performed by a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon. The main steps are:
- The accessory navicular bone is detached from the posterior tibial tendon.
- The extra bone is completely removed.
- The posterior tibial tendon is reattached to the remaining navicular bone in the proper position.
- The incision is closed with stitches and the foot is immobilized.
Recovery from the Kidner procedure usually takes about 6 weeks. Patients often need to use crutches and wear a walking boot during this time. Physical therapy is important to regain strength and range of motion.
Do I Need the Kidner Procedure?
If you have chronic pain on the inside of your foot or ankle that has not responded to non-surgical treatment, it’s worth seeing a foot and ankle specialist to determine if you have an accessory navicular that may require surgical correction.
The Kidner procedure has a high success rate in relieving symptoms in patients with painful accessory navicular syndrome. By removing the extra bone and restoring normal anatomy, the procedure can eliminate the source of irritation and allow you to return to your regular activities without discomfort.
If you are suffering from persistent foot pain, don’t hesitate to seek an evaluation from an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist. With proper diagnosis and treatment, relief is possible, and the Kidner procedure may be the key to getting you back on your feet.
