Radiologic case study. Talocalcaneal coalition

Tarsal Coalitions

Tarsal coalitions are recognized as a congenital anomaly whereby the two or more bones of the hindfoot and midfoot are fused resulting in limitation of foot motion and pain. Tarsal coalitions were found to be the cause of painful flatfeet in adolescents and young adults. Developing a clinical understanding of tarsal coalitions as well as developing a step-wise conservative and surgical approach for their treatment can alleviate patient symptomatology and provide excellent long-term benefits. Conservative treatment consists of immobilization, NSAIDs, and casting for symptomatic patients, and surgical treatment for symptomatic tarsal coalition consists of resection and/or arthrodesis.

A Rare Combination of Ipsilateral Partial Talocalcaneal and Talonavicular Coalition

Tarsal coalitions refer to fibrous, cartilaginous or osseous fusion between two tarsal bones. Commonly seen are talocalcaneal coalitions and calcaneonavicular coalitions. Talonavicular, calcaneocuboid and cubonavicular coalition are very uncommonly seen. Talocalcaneal and calcaneonavicular coalitions are generally symptomatic whereas talonavicular coalitions are asymptomatic. Special view radiography, CT and MRI will be helpful in diagnosing coalitions depending on nature of coalitions. In this case report, we present 24-year-old male patient with rare combination of talocalcaneal and talonavicular coalition on ipsilateral side. Patient also showed talar beak sign and arthritic changes at subtalar joint. Considering first time presentation to hospital and milder symptoms, we treated patient conservatively with short leg cast and foot orthoses. With course of treatment, symptoms were relieved significantly.