Feet injuries in children with tarsal coalitions

Introduction. Tarsal coalition is a foot bone malformation, characterized by bony, cartilaginous or fibrosis fusion between the tarsal bones. It clinically appears as decreased mobility of the tarsal joints. This feature can be predicting factor for feet injuries. Aim: This study analyzed the frequency and nature of the injuries of the feet in patients with tarsal coalitions. Materials and methods. TThe article presents data on the frequency and nature of feet injuries in patients with tarsal coalitions (22 patients (30 feet) with talocalcaneal coalitions and 28 patients (45 feet) with calcaneonavicular coalitions) aged 12 to 18 years. The control group included 50 patients (80 feet) with flatfeet without tarsal coalitions, aged 12 to 15 years. The study was a retrospective analysis of anamnestic data of feet injuries. Results. The study found patients with tarsal coalitions had a significantly higher incidence of ankle sprains (the general group – 26 patients (52%) versus the control group – 12 (24%). Conclusion. Tarsal coalition can be predicting factor to feet injuries. Patients with tarsal coalitions should consider this concern for sports activities. They can use different orthoses, tape, or choose not to engage in traumatic sports to avoid ankle sprains.