tarsal coalition
A congenital abnormal connection between tarsal bones that can cause rigid flatfoot and pain in adolescents.
Full Definition
Tarsal coalition is a congenital condition involving abnormal connection between two or more tarsal bones, most commonly affecting the calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal joints. The connection can be bony (synostosis), cartilaginous (synchondrosis), or fibrous (syndesmosis). While present from birth, symptoms typically develop during adolescence as the fibrous or cartilaginous coalitions begin to ossify, leading to decreased subtalar motion, rigid flatfoot deformity, and pain. Clinical presentation includes activity-related heel or midfoot pain, decreased subtalar motion, rigid flatfoot, and sometimes peroneal spasm. Diagnosis requires specific radiographic views and often CT or MRI imaging. Treatment ranges from conservative management with immobilization to surgical resection or fusion depending on coalition type and symptoms.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the exact bones involved and type of coalition (bony, cartilaginous, or fibrous) when documenting.
In Context
- "CT scan confirmed a calcaneoanavicular coalition explaining the adolescent's rigid flatfoot and heel pain." — Diagnostic imaging report
- "Surgical resection of the tarsal coalition was planned after failed conservative management." — Orthopedic surgery consultation