Evaluation of tarsal coalition by computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Tarsal coalition, a congenital fusion of foot bones, can cause painful flat feet.
• Diagnosis can be challenging with conventional imaging methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of plain radiography and computed tomography (CT) for tarsal coalition.
• To determine the optimal imaging modality for suspected tarsal coalition.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of five patients with confirmed tarsal coalition (three talocalcaneal, two calcaneonavicular).
• Evaluation of plain radiography, Harris view, conventional tomography, and CT scans.
• Comparison of imaging findings with surgical or clinical diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Plain radiography was normal in four out of five patients.
• Harris view and conventional tomography showed variable accuracy.
• Computed tomography (CT) was diagnostic in all five cases, accurately depicting coalition sites and bony bar width.

Conclusions:

• Plain radiography is a suitable initial screening tool for suspected tarsal coalition.
• CT is the most valuable imaging modality for diagnosing tarsal coalition, particularly when plain films are normal or equivocal.
• CT findings assist in surgical planning for tarsal coalition.