Tarsal coalition in adults

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:

• Tarsal coalition is a congenital condition involving abnormal fusion of tarsal bones.
• It can lead to pain, limited motion, and secondary deformities.
• Understanding adult presentation is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of adult patients with tarsal coalition.
• To compare adult presentation with pediatric cases.
• To evaluate the efficacy of nonoperative and operative interventions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 32 feet in 27 adult patients diagnosed with tarsal coalition.
• Data collected included coalition type, age, heel alignment, subtalar motion, and treatment received.
• Analysis of clinical findings and treatment success rates.

Main Results:

• Subtalar coalitions were most common (18/32), followed by calcaneonavicular (14/32).
• Average age was 40 years; 11 feet were asymptomatic.
• Nonoperative management (activity modification, NSAIDs, casting) was successful for most patients.

Conclusions:

• Adult tarsal coalition presentation can differ from pediatric cases.
• Nonoperative treatment is the mainstay for symptomatic adult tarsal coalition.
• Surgical intervention (subtalar fusion or resection) is reserved for refractory cases.