What is the Muller-Weiss syndrome that affects Rafael Nadal's foot?
Although quite rare, this syndrome has recently increased its popularity following the recent diagnosis of the famous tennis player Rafael Nadal. We hope that this pathology will not hinder his brilliant career and that he does not suffer too much.
What is Muller-Weiss syndrome?
This syndrome is rare and corresponds to idiopathic (i.e. without known cause) osteonecrosis of the navicular bone in adults.
It affects women more often than men and is usually bilateral, i.e. it often affects both feet at the same time.
Anatomy of the navicular bone
Favouring factors of Muller-Weiss syndrome
To date, no cause has been found for this syndrome!
Here are just some of the factors that may increase the risk of developing this syndrome:
- Overweight, obesity
- Flat feet
- Shortness of the 1st metatarsal (bone too short) and too long of the 2nd metatarsal
- Metatarsus adductus
- Episode of malnutrition during childhood (anorexia, etc)
- Repetition of mechanical stress on the navicular bone
- Fatigue fracture
The symptoms of Muller-Weiss syndrome
This syndrome results in:
- Pain located on the midfoot or hindfoot
- Pain of mechanical origin
- Sometimes swelling of the dorsomedial aspect of the midfoot
Imaging examinations
Radiography
In radiography, different elements in favor of this syndrome can be observed:
- Flattening or osteocondensation of the navicular bone
- Comma-shaped navicular from the front
- Fragmentation in the lateral 1/3 of the bone
- Decrease in the talocalcaneal angle
- Partial or total subluxation of the navicular bone
- In advanced stages: talonavicular osteoarthritis
Bone scan
Bone scintigraphy allows to highlight this pathology by showing a hyperfixation on the navicular bone.
MRI
The MRI allows to highlight the reorganization of the bone which can go until the necrosis of this one.
Treatment of Muller-Weiss syndrome
The condition is rare and treatments are not yet well developed. Possible treatments include:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatories
- Orthopedic treatment
- Surgery
Osteopathy and Muller-Weiss syndrome
Osteopathy will not treat osteonecrosis of the navicular but it will act on the quality of life of the patient by treating the repercussions of the pain caused by this syndrome. Indeed, the body adapts when one limps or when one unloads the weight of the body on the other foot and your osteopath will be present to accompany your body and that it does not create other problems
Marie Messager
Osteopath D.O
In Versailles - 78
