Kohler's disease: Does it cause permanent bone damage?

My 8-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with Kohler's disease. Does this cause permanent bone damage?

- Renee / No state given

Answer

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Navicular bone

No. Kohler's disease is a rare bone disorder in which the navicular bone of the foot temporarily loses its blood supply (avascular necrosis). Fortunately, it causes no long-term bone damage.

When the navicular bone loses its blood supply, the tissue in the bone dies and collapses. This can cause temporary pain and swelling in the middle of the foot, and limping. However these signs and symptoms improve within a few months as the navicular bone repairs itself and returns to normal.

The exact cause of Kohler's disease — which most often affects children between the ages of 4 and 9 years — isn't known.