Morphological measurements and classification of the navicular bone: a study based on computed tomography imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present the classification of navicular bones and the anatomical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of navicular fractures of the foot.

METHOD: 351 computed tomographic (CT) images of the navicular bone were analyzed and classified. The navicular bone's anatomical morphology was measured by three independent researchers in each type. Analysis and recording of the measurement results followed.

RESULT: Navicular bones were assorted into three types: I shape(37.04%), II shape(54.41%), and III shape(8.55%). The left and right sides did not differ in any appreciable ways, except ab, bc, and ∠abc (P < 0.05); And all data were statistically different between men and women except for ∠abc (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The classification of the navicular bone in this study may be helpful in making the treatment decision for navicular fracture.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.