Surgical Treatment of Calcaneonavicular and Talocalcaneal Coalitions

Tarsal coalition is determined by an absence of segmentation between one or more foot bones. The main symptom is activity-related foot pain, usually dorsolateral for calcaneonavicular coalitions and medial for talocalcaneal ones. At presentation, a symptomatic tarsal coalition must be treated conservatively for at least 6 months. If the conservative treatment fails and the foot is still painful, resection is the treatment of choice. Advantage of surgery is to restore mobility and reduce the risk of subsequent degenerative arthritis. Common pitfalls of surgery include failure to recognize associated coalitions, inadequate or extensive resection, and injury of adjoining bones.