cuboid syndrome

This condition, also known as a subluxed cuboid is a disruption of the cuboid bone which lies on the outside of the foot, in its alignment with the adjacent bones. The disruption of this bone causes irritation to the surrounding soft tissue structures that attach to it.

This is a condition seen more often in athletes due to the excessive pressure and motion that they put their feet through. It is thought that the most common cause of a subluxed cuboid is due to excessive inversion of the ankle (see drawing, below right) or excessive plantarflexion of the foot.

Certain athletes are seen at greater risk of developing this syndrome. Male ballet dancers are very prone to this injury due to repetitive jumps, while female ballet dancers are prone to a subluxed cuboid as a result of the second most cause of this condition, overuse injuries, where there is a repetitive microtrauma to the ligaments attaching to the cuboid bone.

What does cuboid syndrome feel like

• pain that develops rapidly after an inversion sprain
• in some instances develops gradually, after a prolonged period of time, following an inversion sprain
• pain is usually directly over the cuboid bone
• pain may also travel underneath the foot into the arch
• surrounding structures may also be painful
• pain may be present weight bearing and nonweightbearing but certainly it becomes more difficult to walk
• The lateral side of the foot will exhibit swelling, may be black and blue (ecchymosis), and there may also be some redness, all signs of inflammation

Factors that can cause cuboid syndrome include:

• running on uneven surfaces, particularly banked streets where the foot is forced into supination. On a banked street this would involve the foot that is further from the center of the street (closer to the curb).
• excessive weight, like most foot problems, too much body weight puts excessive strain on the feet and ankles.
• worn out athletic shoes, shoes that do not adequately support the foot can aggravate this problem.
• feet that exhibit too much motion at the level of the subtalar joint which creates excessive inversion or everstion.

The diagnosis cannot be made by use of x-ray or MRI because the subluxation is so minor that imaging studies would be of little value, however at least an x-ray is indicated to rule out other pathology particularly fracture.

Many doctors advocate the use of a CT scan (computerized tomography) when investigating the possibility of a fracture of the cuboid as it seems a CT scan better outlines the cortex (outer layer of bone) than an MRI or x-ray.

Quite often this condition may be confused with peroneal tendonitis and fifth metatarsal base fractures.

conservative treatment

the primary treatment is manipulation of the cuboid bone back into place. In many instances relief from pain is immediate.

Other forms of treatment include:

• physical therapy
• taping the foot in a certain manner to force the cuboid back into position. This can be accomplished through low-dye strapping or KT taping.
• an orthotic with a built in cuboid pad can be very helpful in maintaining the position of the cuboid

in cases of simple non-displaced fractures where there is essentially a crack in the bone but no separation of the two ends of the bone, initial treatment consists of immobilization with non-weightbearing.

I recommend non-weightbearing simply because when bearing weight, the pressure exerted on the outside of the foot, even in a cast, can be enough to not allow the fracture to heal.

A bone stimulator may also be used to aid in healing.

surgical treatment

In cases where immobilization does not remedy the situation surgery may be indicated. In simple cuboid fractures, in many instances a bone fusion is performed between the calcaneus (the bone behind the cuboid) and the cuboid bone itself. This fusion creates better stabilization of the cuboid bone thus reducing pain.

In cases of cuboid fracture from trauma, the bone itself may require insertion of hardware to stabilize it as well as fusion to the calcaneus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cuboid syndrome?

Cuboid syndrome is a subtle subluxation of the cuboid bone on the outside of the foot. This minor misalignment irritates surrounding soft tissues and often causes sharp lateral‑foot pain.

What causes cuboid syndrome?

The most common cause is an inversion ankle sprain or excessive plantarflexion. Running on uneven surfaces, worn‑out shoes, excess body weight, and feet with too much subtalar motion can also contribute.

What are the symptoms of cuboid syndrome?

Pain develops over the cuboid bone and may radiate into the arch. Swelling, redness, bruising, and difficulty walking are common, and symptoms may appear suddenly after a sprain or gradually over time.

How is cuboid syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis is clinical because the subluxation is too subtle to appear on X‑ray or MRI. Imaging is still used to rule out fractures, and the condition is often confused with peroneal tendonitis or fifth‑metatarsal injuries.

How is cuboid syndrome treated?

The primary treatment is manipulation of the cuboid bone back into place, which often provides immediate relief. Taping, physical therapy, and orthotics with a cuboid pad help maintain alignment; fractures may require immobilization or surgery.