Results of resection for middle facet tarsal coalitions in adults

The optimum surgical procedure for talocalcaneal coalitions has not been definitively determined. The authors performed this study to evaluate the results achieved with talocalcaneal tarsal coalition resection with regard to preoperative radiographic findings in relation to postoperative outcomes. They reviewed the medical records of 7 patients and conducted telephone interviews using a modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. The average age at surgery was 31 years (range, 15-56 years), and the follow-up period averaged 17.4 months (range, 7-36 months). In 6 cases, the resection was successful, with the mean preoperative Ankle-Hindfoot score of 36.5 improving to 50.5 (P = .51). One patient failed the resection and underwent a subtalar arthrodesis 1 year after the resection procedure. Radiographic evaluation showed that higher cartilaginous content of the tarsal coalition was associated with a better outcome in Ankle-Hindfoot scores (r = .894, P = .016); the relationship of patient age and changes in scores was r = .692 but was not statistically significant because of small sample size. Resection of tarsal coalition led to higher Ankle-Hindfoot scores for 6 of 7 patients at least 1 year postoperatively, and that higher cartilagenous content of the coalition was statistically significantly correlated with better postoperative outcomes.