CUBOID SYNDROME- CASE REPORTS AND DISCUSSION Mitrulescu Paiseanu Catalin C. , Faur Cosmin Univer sity of Medicine and Ph armacy Victo r Babe Timi oara – 2 ș ș nd Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology ABSTRACT In the current practice, the orthopaedic practicioner is often placed in the difficultsituation of treating hard to diagnose syndromes. The cuboid syndrome is one of them and this article is aimed at guiding any health care professional in making a correct diagnosis, and, once this step is finished, the treatment will be usual easy and straightforward. Any orthopaedistshould be aware that any lateral foot and ankle pain may be the result of cuboid syndrome. Once pro perl y dia gnos ed, the pat ient responds exc ept ion all y wel l to conservative treatment by manipulation. Occasionally, if the symptoms have been persistent for more than one week, more than one mani pul ation may be required. Bec ause the ima ging studie s aren’t hel pfu l, the diagnosis is made only by physical examination and the history of the patient. KEYWORDS: CUBOID SYNDROME, SUBLUXATION, MANIPULATION CASE 1 The patient is a 45 years old male who had persistent lateral ankle pain since 30 days ago. He remembered having a mild twisting injury of his left ankle, and since that time, the problem persisted. The mechanism of the injury was forced inversion with plantar flexion. He thought that his pain is a normal one and he delayed his presentation to the doctor. The inspection of his left foot didn’t reveal anything abnormal. His pain was reproduced when walking, especially in the toe off phase. He had tried AINS medication before, but they were of little help. At palpation, the pain was reproduced when pushing down (dorso-plantar) the cuboid zone. Also, pain was reproduced when applying the force in the opposite way from the plantaraspect. The degree of motion in the articulation between the 4-th and 5-th metatarsal and the cuboid was diminished compared to the contralateral foot. The midtarsal adduction test was positive. The test is performed with ankle and subtalarjoint stabilized with one hand, while the other puts and adduction force on the forefoot.
