What is a Trigonum?

What Is the Os Trigonum? The os trigonum is an extra (accessory) bone that sometimes develops behind the ankle bone (talus). It is connected to the talus by a fibrous band. The presence of an os trigonum in one or both feet is congenital (present at birth).

How do you treat os trigonum?

Treatment of Os Trigonum Syndrome usually begins with nonsurgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment options include rest, immobilization/bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be determined necessary, typically after 3-6 months of non-surgical treatment.

Is os trigonum serious?

If you develop the condition due to a traumatic injury, your symptoms may be more severe and progress rapidly. For most people, when the os trigonum becomes pinched in the back of the ankle, it can cause: Pain and tenderness right above the extra bone and in the surrounding area of the ankle.

Where does os trigonum hurt?

The Os Trigonum Syndrome refers to pain posterior of the ankle and reduced plantarflexion caused by “the nutcracker-phenomenon”. When an os trigonum is present, this accessory ossicle together with surrounding soft tissues can become wedged between the tibia, talus and calcaneus.

Why do I have an extra bone in my ankle?

During growth. In the ankle, this extra bone forms behind the talus bone. Approximately 1 in 5 of the general population has this extra bone. This extra bone is like an appendix in most people – it doesn’t cause a problem.

Is os trigonum a disability?

The Veteran’s OS trigonum, left ankle, is currently rated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5271, for limited motion of the ankle. Under those criteria a 10 percent rating is assigned for moderate limitation of motion and a 20 percent rating is assigned for marked limitation of motion.

Does os trigonum require surgery?

Most patients’ symptoms improve with non-surgical treatment. However, in some patients, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms. Surgery typically involves removal of the os trigonum, as this extra bone is not necessary for normal foot function.

Can you walk after os trigonum surgery?

You don’t put weight on the foot/ankle that was operated on until your surgeon tells you that you are allowed to. It usually takes eight to 12 weeks for athletes to return to play after posterior ankle arthroscopy and os trigonum excision, but this time certainly can vary.

What causes an os trigonum?

Os trigonum syndrome is usually triggered by an injury, such as an ankle sprain. The syndrome is also frequently caused by repeated downward pointing of the toes, which is common among ballet dancers, soccer players and other athletes.

How do you get os trigonum syndrome?

What percentage of people have os trigonum?

Os Trigonum is a small extra bone that sits at the back of the ankle joint. This extra bone is present in 5-15% of the general population.