About the Kidner Procedure
The Kidner Procedure is a surgical solution for patients with accessory navicular syndrome, a condition where an extra bone (the accessory navicular) causes pain, swelling, or tendon irritation along the inner arch of the foot. While many people have this extra bone without symptoms, others develop discomfort due to overuse, injury, or improper foot alignment.
When conservative treatments like orthotics or physical therapy don’t relieve the symptoms, the Kidner Procedure may be recommended to remove the extra bone and restore tendon function.
Accessing the Accessory Navicular
The surgery begins with a small incision along the inner side of the foot, near the arch. This allows the surgeon to locate and expose the accessory navicular bone, which is usually embedded in the posterior tibial tendon—a key structure that supports the arch and controls foot movement.
Removing the Extra Bone
Once the accessory navicular is exposed, it is carefully removed. This relieves the chronic irritation and inflammation caused by the extra bone rubbing against shoes or placing strain on the tendon. The removal also creates space for the tendon to function more effectively without obstruction.
Reattaching the Tendon
After the bone is removed, the posterior tibial tendon may be stretched or damaged, so the next step involves securely reattaching the tendon to the main navicular bone. This ensures the tendon remains properly aligned and can continue supporting the arch of the foot.
In some cases, the tendon may also be tightened or reinforced to improve long-term stability and reduce the risk of further issues.
End of Procedure
Once the tendon is reattached, the incision is closed with sutures, and the foot is wrapped or placed in a splint. The procedure typically takes under an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day.
FAQs
You may experience some post-operative discomfort, but pain is typically manageable with medication and subsides as healing progresses. Most patients report significant relief from their original symptoms after recovery.
The surgery usually lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the case.
Recovery can take 6 to 8 weeks. Patients often wear a boot or cast during the first few weeks and gradually transition to physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
You’ll need to keep weight off the affected foot initially. Follow-up visits will ensure the tendon is healing properly, and your provider may recommend physical therapy to support a full return to activity.
The procedure has a high success rate, especially in active individuals or adolescents with recurring pain. Most patients experience long-term relief and improved foot function.
Surgery is typically recommended only after nonsurgical treatments—like orthotics, rest, or physical therapy—have failed. If the pain persists or affects daily function, your provider may suggest the Kidner Procedure as a solution.
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, nerve irritation, delayed healing, or persistent pain. However, complications are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
