Endoscopic Resection of Tarsal Coalitions

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Tarsal coalitions, including talocalcaneal and calcaneonavicular types, can cause foot pain and limited motion.
• Traditional open resection has been the standard treatment for symptomatic tarsal coalitions.
• Endoscopic techniques offer a minimally invasive alternative, but their efficacy requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the technical feasibility and reported outcomes of endoscopic resection for tarsal coalitions.
• To evaluate the potential benefits of endoscopic resection, such as faster recovery and reduced wound complications.
• To identify the need for higher-quality evidence regarding clinical benefits and recurrence rates.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature, including case reports and case series on endoscopic tarsal coalition resection.
• Analysis of different endoscopic surgical techniques employed.
• Comparison of reported outcomes with historical data from open resection (where available).

Main Results:

• Endoscopic resection is technically achievable for both talocalcaneal and calcaneonavicular coalitions.
• Potential advantages like quicker recovery and fewer wound issues are suggested but not definitively proven.
• Data on long-term outcomes and recurrence rates remain limited.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic resection is a feasible surgical option for tarsal coalitions.
• Patient selection is crucial for successful outcomes.
• High-quality comparative studies are necessary to establish the definitive benefits and recurrence rates of endoscopic versus open resection.