Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Kohler disease
Introduction
Synonyms and keywords: Kohler first disease; osteochondrosis of tarsal navicular
Overview
Overview
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.
Causes
Causes
Although no definitive cause has been found yet, the disease may be due to strain on a weak navicular bone.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and 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
X-ray of both feet is used to diagnose disease. The affected foot has dense flattened navicular bone.
Treatment
Treatment
The patient is often fit with a cast that stops below the knee. Moderate exercise is often beneficial.
References
References
- ↑ A. Köhler. Über eine häufige, bisher anscheinend unbekannte Erkrankung einzelner kindlicher Knochen. Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift. 1908, 55: 1923-1925.
- ↑ Template:WhoNamedIt
Template:Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]