Köhler disease

Köhler disease (also spelled "Kohler") is a rare bone disorder of the foot found in children between six and nine years of age. It was first described in 1908 by Alban Köhler (1874-1947), a German radiologist. ^[1][2]

It is caused when the navicular bone temporarily loses its blood supply. As a result, tissue in the bone dies and the bone collapses. When treated, it causes no long term problems. As the navicular bone gets back to normal, symptoms typically abate.

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Symptoms

Sufferers experience pain and swelling in the middle part of the foot and usually limp as a result. The disease typically affects boys, but it can also affect girls. Five is the age of boys most often affected and patients often complain of pain over the apex. X-ray of both feet is used to diagnose disease. The affected foot has dense flattened navicular bone.

Causes

Although no definitive cause has been found yet, the disease may be due to strain on a weak navicular bone.

Treatment

The patient is often fit with a cast that stops below the knee. Moderate exercise is often beneficial.

References

1. ^ A. Köhler. Über eine häufige, bisher anscheinend unbekannte Erkrankung einzelner kindlicher Knochen. Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift. 1908, 55: 1923-1925.
2. ^ synd/2676 at Who Named It

acquired deformities of fingers and toes (Boutonniere deformity, Bunion, Hallux rigidus, Hallux varus, Hammer toe) - other acquired deformities of limbs (Valgus deformity, Varus deformity, Wrist drop, Foot drop, Flat feet, Club foot, Unequal leg length, Winged scapula)

patella (Luxating patella, Chondromalacia patellae)

synovium and tendon: Synovitis - Tenosynovitis (Stenosing tenosynovitis, Trigger finger, DeQuervain's syndrome)

bursitis (Olecranon, Prepatellar, Trochanteric)

fibroblastic (Dupuytren's contracture, Plantar fasciitis, Nodular fasciitis, Necrotizing fasciitis, Fasciitis, Fibromatosis)

enthesopathies (Iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, Patellar tendinitis, Golfer's elbow, Tennis elbow, Metatarsalgia, Bone spur, Tendinitis)