Tarsal coalition surgery

Surgery to take down connection between two or more bones in the foot to allow motion and relieve pain

Some patients are born with two bones that do not fully separate during growth of the skeleton. Patient can present with pain and a stiff, flatfoot in their late teens and/or early twenties.

This condition is called tarsal coalition, and one of the recommended treatments if simple treatments fail is to excise (resect) the extra bit of bone or scar tissue that abnormally joins the bones.

This operation is performed via an incision either inside or outside the foot depending on the location of the coalition. The connection between the two bones is excised and there is an interposition of muscle or fat. Movement at the joints is now confirmed.

Figure 1: one possible incision for resection of tarsal coalition

Figure 2: most common locations for tarsal coalition

Post-operative plan:

  • Surgery is typically a day case or overnight stay

  • Local anaesthetic is administered to help with pain

  • 0-2 weeks: elevation at home, plaster cast

  • 2-6 weeks: weight bearing is allowed in a CAMboot

  • 6-10 weeks onwards: transition to normal shoes

Download post-operative care guide

Risks of surgery

  • Swelling, stiffness

  • Infection and wound breakdown

  • Blood clots

  • Scar sensitivity

  • Ongoing pain

  • Coalition recurrence – the abnormal connection between the two bones can occur.

  • Progression to arthritis of the joints around the coalition – this may require further surgery