Optimal Surgical Management of Tarsal Coalitions

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Podiatry
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Tarsal coalitions are relatively common foot abnormalities.
• The majority of individuals with tarsal coalitions remain asymptomatic.
• Symptomatic cases necessitate evaluation and potential intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic and management strategies for symptomatic tarsal coalitions.
• To review the efficacy of different surgical interventions.
• To emphasize the importance of considering associated deformities.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic imaging modalities including radiographs and CT scans.
• Discussion of non-surgical management approaches.
• Analysis of surgical options: resection, deformity correction, and triple arthrodesis.

Main Results:

• Preoperative imaging is crucial for characterizing tarsal coalition type and extent.
• Resection is an effective and reliable first-line surgical treatment for symptomatic coalitions.
• Arthrodesis is typically reserved for cases with failed resection or significant arthritis.

Conclusions:

• Symptomatic tarsal coalitions often require surgical management after failed conservative treatment.
• Resection is the preferred initial surgical approach.
• Management should be individualized, considering coalition characteristics, associated deformities, and patient factors.