Imaging of Mueller-Weiss Syndrome: A Review of Clinical Presentations and Imaging Spectrum

Abstract

This article reviews the literature and discusses the anatomy, epidemiology, causes, clinical and radiologic findings, and treatment of Mueller-Weiss syndrome, and thus permits a better understanding of this disease and its management.

Imaging of the spectrum of bony injuries in the diabetic foot: a case series with emphasis on non-Charcot fractures

“…Mueller–Weiss syndrome is a rare condition that refers to spontaneous, adult-onset navicular osteonecrosis. 26 It is generally bilateral and most often presents between 40 and 60 years of age with a female preponderance. 27 The exact pathogenesis is not fully understood but the most accepted theory is of a multifactorial combination of chronic traumatic loading and ischaemia on a background of a suboptimally ossified bone.…”

“… 27 The exact pathogenesis is not fully understood but the most accepted theory is of a multifactorial combination of chronic traumatic loading and ischaemia on a background of a suboptimally ossified bone. 26 , 28 Trauma has also been postulated as a possible aetiology. In fact, appearances may be similar to a missed stress fracture.…”

“…The clinical presentation in Mueller–Weiss syndrome is non-specific with chronic mid-foot and hind foot pain, swelling and tenderness being the typical findings. 26 , 31 More severe cases may develop a pes planovarus and pes planus as the navicular collapses and the medial longitudinal arch is consequently flattened.…”

“…The most common findings are related to destruction of the lateral half of the navicular. 26 It gradually becomes compressed and sclerotic with resulting peritalar subluxation of the medial aspect. This creates a “comma-shaped” navicular.…”

Normal Variations and Pathologic Disorders of Chondrification and Ossification of the Foot and Related Diseases

“…Suboptimal ossification of the navicular is thought to be a precondition for the development of this entity with chronic and unevenly distributed mechanical overload leading to vascular impairment and osteonecrosis. 9 On radiographs and computed tomography, the progressive collapse of the lateral aspect of the navicular leads to a comma-shaped appearance and a dorsolateral subluxation of the talus. In the end stage the navicular fragment is extruded, and a neo-articulation between talus and lateral cuneiform emerges.…”