Palpation of the tarsal navicular bone for assessment of acute, non-stress fracture

The antero-posterior, oblique, and lateral images above can serve to help guide palpation of the tarsal navicular bone. The navicular bone is outlined in blue, and the surrounding tendons of the extensor hallicus longus, tibialis anterior, and posterior tibialis are labeled. Dorsal avulsion fractures typically cause tenderness at the dorsal navicular (indicated by blue and black Xs). Tuberosity fractures typically cause tenderness at the medial navicular (red X). Fractures of the navicular body can cause tenderness at any or all regions of the navicular.