Multiple osseous tarsal coalitions: a case report and review of the literature

A patient with multiple tarsal coalitions presenting with symptoms at the age of 47 years is reported. The report highlights the presentation of symptomatic coalitions following trauma in adulthood. Coalitions can pose difficulties in diagnosis, particularly without previous history of pain or disability in childhood. A decrease or loss of subtalar movement, painful movement, and valgus deformity of the hindfoot are usually present in the adult patient but are not often pathognomonic and present a diagnostic conundrum, particularly with x-rays being misinterpreted. This report highlights the problem of diagnosing such a condition with the attendant difficulties in formulating treatment.