Tarsal Coalition

A tarsal coalition occurs when there is a fusion between one or more bone in the tarsal or rearfoot bones. They generally happen when the bone fails to develop properly in the child. As a child the problem is often missed as the ‘bones’ are still mostly cartilage and have some flexibility. As the child gets older the bones form properly, so the tarsal coalition will show up as a reduced range of motion in the joints that are involved. This can become painful. Sports activity is difficult due to the pain and limited range of motion. Often this sorts of tarsal coalition can be treated with foot supports to restrict the range of motion. Surgical removal of the bony bride between the bone is also a good option. The most common types of tarsal coalition are the talocalcaneal coalition (between the talus and calanceus) and a calcaneonavicular (between the calcaneus and the navicular).