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A case presentation of an adolescent with tarsal navicular avascular necrosis is presented. External fixation with tarsal navicular diastasis is a simple, straightforward management option to allow osseous regrowth and bone healing. In this case, the external fixator was well tolerated and the patient demonstrated a quick return to function without pain or discomfort. The external fixation technique with tarsal navicular diastasis is an uncommon but effective means of reversing the tarsal navicular avascular process and avoiding an open technique such as arthrodesis.
The Osteomyelitis Center of Central Florida, 5421 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813. (E-mail: drkarrcoe@gmail.com)