Keywords:
Education and training, Congenital, Education, Plain radiographic studies, MR, CT, Musculoskeletal joint, Musculoskeletal bone, Anatomy
Authors:
R. Wheeler, A. Agahi, R. Berkeley, W. Tilden, J. B. Davies, D. Pefanis, S. G. Cross; London/UK
DOI:
10.26044/essr2019/P-0081
Background
Tarsal coalition is the congenital bridging of two or more tarsal bones Fig. 10 Fig. 11 and is often undetected and asymptomatic until late childhood.
It is a common condition which is often underdiagnosed afflicting approximately 1% of the population resulting in significant morbidity if left untreated.
Most commonly patients present in childhood or adolescence probably reflecting the differential ossification rates of the tarsal bones.
Symptoms include hindfoot pain or stiffness,
pes planus and valgus deformity.
Calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal coalitions account for 90% of all tarsal coalitions with calcaneocuboid,
talonavicular and cubonavicular coalitions seen infrequently. The resulting abnormal articulation is difficult to correct and early diagnosis can help to limit coalition progression and the associated accelerated degeneration within other joints.
Treatment options range from foot and ankle supports to extensive surgery and arthrodesis.