CUBOID-NAVICULAR TARSAL COALITION

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Tarsal coalition, a congenital fusion of tarsal bones, can cause significant foot pain and activity limitation in children and adolescents.
• Cuboid-navicular tarsal coalition is a less common form of tarsal coalition that may present with nonspecific foot pain.
• Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management and preventing long-term complications such as arthritis.

Observation:

• A nine-year-old female presented with right foot pain during physical activities.
• Clinical examination and imaging revealed a cuboid-navicular tarsal coalition.
• The patient's symptoms were directly linked to the tarsal coalition.

Findings:

• Surgical resection of the cuboid-navicular tarsal coalition successfully resolved the patient's foot pain.
• The surgical intervention restored the patient's ability to participate in physical activities without discomfort.
• Literature review supported the efficacy of surgical treatment for symptomatic tarsal coalitions.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering tarsal coalition in the differential diagnosis of pediatric foot pain.
• Adequate physical examination and advanced imaging are essential for accurate diagnosis of pediatric foot conditions.
• Surgical management can be an effective treatment option for resolving pain and restoring function in pediatric patients with tarsal coalition.