[Progress in diagnosis and treatment of tarsal coalition]

To review the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of tarsal coalition.

Recent literature concerning the diagnosis and treatment of tarsal coalition was reviewed.

Tarsal coalition is a bridge between the tarsal bones of the foot. The most common types are talocalcaneal and calcaneonavicular coalitions. Calcaneonavicular coalitions can be diagnosed with an oblique radiograph of the hindfoot. Most talocalcaneal coalitions require computer tomography for diagnostic confirmation. Magnetic resonance imaging may be useful for diagnoses of cartilaginous and fibrous coalition. Casting is the usual initial treatment for the symptomatic individual. For patients with treatment failure and no degenerative changes, resection of the coalition can be performed with good results. Isolated subtalar fusion may be performed for patients with failure of talocalcaneal resections. For patients undergoing failure of subtalar fusions and calcaneonavicular resection, triple arthrodesis may be performed. During minimally invasive operation, operation indications should be strictly controlled.

The diagnosis method of tarsal coalition is clear. The clinical manifestation combined with imaging examination can improve the diagnosis rate. The surgical indication of tarsal coalition remains controversial, the randomized prospective studies are still required.