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Diseases

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)

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Kohler disease

Other Names for this Disease
  • Kohler's Disease
  • Kohler's Disease of the Tarsal Navicular
  • Kohler's Osteochondrosis of the Tarsal Navicular
  • Navicular Osteochondrosis
More Names
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Overview


Kohler disease is a condition that involves a bone at the arch of the foot called the tarsal navicular bone. In this condition, the tarsal navicular bone breaks into fragments before healing and hardening.[1] Signs and symptoms are usually mild and may include limping, swelling and pain in the affected foot.[2][1] The condition most often affects children aged 3 to 5 years and usually involves just one foot.[2][3] Although the underlying cause it not well understood, it is thought to be due to interruption of blood flow to the navicular bone, resulting in degeneration of the bone.[4] Treatment may involve rest and avoidance of excessive weight-bearing.[2][3]


References

  1. Köhler's Bone Disease. Merck Manuals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/childrens_health_issues/bone_disorders_in_children/k%C3%B6hlers_bone_disease.html?qt=kohler&alt=sh#v821464. Accessed July 20, 2012.
  2. Osteochondroses. MERCK Manual. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec19/ch284/ch284j.html. Accessed April 1, 2009.
  3. Vargas B. Köhler Disease. eMedicine. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1234753-overview. Accessed April 1, 2009.
  4. Kohler disease. NORD. http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/800/viewAbstract. Accessed July 20, 2012.
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General Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Kohler disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.