The Rare Lateral Cuneocuboid Coalition: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Radiology

Background:

• Tarsal coalitions, often affecting the talocalcaneal or calcaneonavicular joints, commonly present with pain, restricted motion, and pes planus.
• Diagnosis typically relies on clinical and radiographic assessments.

Observation:

• A 21-year-old woman presented with chronic pain and a pes planus deformity.
• Initial clinical and radiographic evaluations for tarsal coalition were unremarkable.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was crucial in diagnosing a rare lateral cuneocuboid coalition.

Findings:

• Surgical resection of the lateral cuneocuboid coalition led to successful symptom resolution.
• The patient reported being pain-free and returned to her pre-surgical activity level at a 6-year follow-up.
• This represents only the third reported case of lateral cuneocuboid coalition in the literature.

Implications:

• Highlights the diagnostic utility of MRI for rare tarsal coalition presentations.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering less common coalition sites when typical presentations are absent.
• Demonstrates the efficacy of surgical intervention for symptomatic lateral cuneocuboid coalition.