Foot & Ankle8 – 16 years
Tarsal Coalition
An abnormal bony, cartilaginous, or fibrous connection between two tarsal bones causing a rigid, often painful flatfoot.
Presentation
- Recurrent ankle sprains and rigid flatfoot
- Calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal are most common
Imaging & Workup
- Oblique foot radiograph (anteater sign), CT best defines coalition
Treatment
Conservative
Orthotics, immobilization, activity modification.
Resection
Coalition excision with interposition for failed conservative care.
Clinical Pearls
- Symptoms often begin as the coalition ossifies in adolescence