Tarsal coalitions: Focusing on calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal coalitions

Abstract

Tarsal coalition is defined as any anomalous connection between tarsal bones, resulting in loss of motion in the affected joint. The most common tarsal coalitions are talocalcaneal (TC) and calcaneonavicular (CN) coalitions, accounting for about 85%–90% of coalitions. Patients with coalitions may complain of non-specific hindfoot or midfoot pain, and in advanced cases, rigid deformities and degenerative changes may be present. Plain radiographs cannot diagnose all tarsal coalitions and advanced imaging is frequently required. Most commonly, symptomatic tarsal coalitions can be treated using conservative techniques. Surgical procedures include resection of the coalition, correction of associated deformities with osteotomies, and occasionally arthrodesis, when degenerative changes are present in the affected joints. The overall success rate for different types of treatments is high with a low rate of recurrence. In this review article, we discuss the epidemiology, presentation, and treatment approaches for TC and CN coalitions.