Tarsal coalitions: long-term results of surgical treatment

We reviewed 40 patients who had undergone 57 operations for tarsal coalition between 1965 and 1980. Ten patients were treated for talocalcaneal coalitions. Four had successful resections and the remainder had successful single or combination arthrodesis. Thirty patients had 39 calcaneonavicular resections and five primary triple arthrodeses. In the entire series only two patients had a poor end result due to either technically poor surgery or failed calcaneonavicular resection because of advanced degeneration. Polytomography, computed tomography, or both were valuable in determining if talocalcaneal coalition resection was feasible. Care must be taken in evaluating the talonavicular joint for degenerative changes. The talar "beak" is not necessarily a degenerative spur, but rather a traction process occurring secondary to increased motion.