KOHLER DISEASE

V. Sollazzo¹

¹ Orthopedic Surgeon, Medical Director, Medical Center, University of Ferrara Ferrara, Italy

Correspondence to:

Journal of Orthopedics 2024 January-April; 16(1): 16-18

Received: 28 March 2024 Accepted: 18 April 2024

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Kohler’s disease (KD) is a rare pediatric condition that primarily affects the tarsal navicular bone in the foot. It is named after the German radiologist Alban Kohler, who first described it in 1908 (1, 2). This condition typically occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 10 and is more common in boys. Key features of KD include pain, swelling and limping or favoring one foot. Radiographic imaging, especially X-rays, plays a crucial role in diagnosing KD. X-rays often reveal changes in the affected navicular bone, such as fragmentation, sclerosis, and flattening. KD is generally self-limiting, meaning that the symptoms tend to resolve on their own over time as the affected bone undergoes a healing process. The condition is usually benign, and the long-term prognosis is favorable. Management of KD is typically supportive. This may involve relieving pain through over-the-counter pain medications, providing supportive footwear, and advising reduced weight-bearing activities until the condition resolves.

Keywords: bone, child, fragmentation, navicular, sclerosis, tarsal