Fibrin glue as interposition graft for tarsal coalition

We describe a surgical technique and report outcomes for fibrin glue interposition after resection of a tarsal condition. An institutional review board--approved retrospective review of all pediatric patients with a tarsal coalition managed with resection was conducted between January 2002 and July 2010 by a single surgeon. All coalitions were resected with interposition of fibrin glue. Patients were evaluated for postoperative complications, pain, weight-bearing status, return to sports, and ankle and subtalar range of motion. Six feet without a coalition were used as a control group. Nine patients (12 feet) were identified with mean follow-up of 2.1 years (range, 7-72 months). Pre-operative complaints were predominantly foot and ankle pain. Patients also reported flatfeet and recurrent ankle sprains. There were no reported postoperative complications. All 9 patients were weight-bearing as tolerated and returned to sports by 6 months. Fibrin glue is a safe and reliable alternative to tissue grafts for interposition after resection of a tarsal coalition.