Iselin disease

Last revised by Mostafa Elfeky on 9 Jan 2023

Iselin disease is a benign and self-limiting condition, defined as apophysitis of the base of the 5th metatarsal.

It is most commonly seen in males with sport injuries and is often also seen in adolescents. 

The exact etiology is not known although accepted by many as occurring due to repetitive traction of the peroneus brevis tendon at the site of its attachment. 

It can be more frequently seen in children engaged in sporting activities which require running and jumping.

  • obliquely oriented small bony fleck at the base of the 5th metatarsal which is best seen on oblique radiograph
  • apophyseal irregularity

Usually not considered essential for the diagnosis. But if performed may show:

  • T2/STIR: high signal intensity around base of 5th metatarsal due to bone marrow edema 6

First described by Hans Iselin (1878-1953) 8 a German surgeon working in Basel, Switzerland, in 1912 4,5.

Imaging differential considerations include

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