Biomechanical considerations in the treatment of navicular disease.

In recent years much attention has been paid to vascular studies of the navicular bone in health and disease; however, the relative importance of these studies has overshadowed biomechanical factors which may yet prove to be of importance. This paper outlines the pertinent anatomy, and discusses current concepts in the aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease. It describes the treatment regimens which are based on biomechanical considerations and compares the results of some currently employed techniques. All aspects of navicular disease remain controversial. This paper is not intended to review or debate all current information on the subject. It reviews information on only biomechanical considerations in an attempt to focus attention on these aspects of treatment.