title: Vascularized pedicle bone grafting for nonunions of the tarsal navicular.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteonecrosis and nonunions of the tarsal navicular remain a challenging clinical problem. This article presents a series of patients treated with local vascularized pedicle bone grafting to the navicular. The purpose of this study was to determine the early clinical and radiographic outcomes of this technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who underwent local vascularized pedicle bone grafting for osteonecrosis of the navicular from 2002 to 2007 were included in this study. The Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), the Revised Foot Function Index (FFI-R), and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) outcomes questionnaires were administered at most recent followup. Postoperative imaging was reviewed for evidence of healing. Eight patients with a mean age of 47.5 (range, 18 to 68) years were included in this study. The mean followup time was 61 (range, 32 to 72) months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two patients underwent concomitant talonavicular arthrodesis. Two patients underwent additional procedures to address continued nonunion of the navicular. Neither patient elected to complete the outcomes questionnaires. The mean postoperative FFI score was 35.2 (range, 16.6 to 59). SF-36 subscales were as follows: bodily pain, 53; general health, 55; mental health, 75; physical function, 56; role emotional, 61; role physical, 37.5; social function, 71; and vitality, 56. The mean postoperative AOS pain score was 27.9 (range, 0 to 46.2) and the average disability score was 31.4 (range, 0 to 78.2). Postoperative imaging revealed consolidation and full healing in six of eight patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vascularized pedicle bone grafting is a treatment option for patients with chronic nonunion or osteonecrosis of the navicular. Additionally, it may serve as an adjunct procedure to provide increased vascularity to talonavicular arthrodesis in cases of navicular osteonecrosis and talonavicular arthritis.
authors.forename: Felicity G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Fishman
authors.forename: Samuel B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Easley
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Nunley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000601:surgery; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013639:Tarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D055815:Young Adult