What does a positive navicular drop test mean?

Clinical Relevance Headlee et al also found a positive NDT as being indicative of plantar intrinsic muscle fatigue. Excessive navicular drop has been reported in patients with a history of ACL tears and is thought to predispose individuals to shin splints and medial tibial stress syndrome.

How do you assess navicular bone?

Performing the Test: First, mark the navicular tuberosity. Next, measure the height of the navicular bone with the subtalar joint in neutral and the patient bearing most of the weight on the contralateral limb. Finally, have the patient assume equal weight on both feet and remeasure the height of the navicular.

What bony structure S are involved in the navicular drop test?

The test was conducted by measuring the position of the navicular tuberosity relative to markings on the head of the first metatarsal bone and the height of apex medial malleoli projected posteriorly to the Achilles tendon.

What is a dropped navicular?

Abstract. The measure of navicular drop has been used as an indicator of pronation at the foot. It is defined as the distance the navicular tuberosity moves in standing, as the subtalar joint is allowed to move from its neutral position to a relaxed position.

What is the diagnostic accuracy of the navicular drop test?

Diagnostic Accuracy: Intra-examiner: .33-.9; Inter-examiner: .31-.74. Importance of Test: The medial longitudinal arch is the primary shock absorber and load-bearing structure of the foot. Without this arched configuration, large forces at the foot would exceed the physiologic weight bearing capabilities of the tarsal bones.

How much navicular drop is considered excessive pronation?

While >10 mm difference is considered excessive foot pronation, there is also speculation that <5 mm of navicular drop could be associated with a limited foot type or a supinated foot. Specific criteria for a supinated foot has not been well established. Note: these tests should only be performed by a properly trained health care practitioner.

What’s the difference between the first and second navicular drops?

Finally, have the patient assume equal weight on both feet and remeasure the height of the navicular. The difference between the first and second measurement is the navicular drop. A difference of >10 mm is considered significant excessive foot pronation. Diagnostic Accuracy: Intra-examiner: .33-.9; Inter-examiner: .31-.74.

When to expect a decrease in navicular height?

Because the arch should have some flexibility, the examiner should expect a decreased navicular height when the subject places his/her full body weight on the medial longitudinal arch.