Tarsal Coalitions: Radiographic, CT, and MR Imaging Findings

Abstract

Background: Tarsal coalitions affect up to 13% of the population and can be a cause of chronic ankle and hindfoot pain. They can be subdivided as osseous, cartilaginous, or fibrous types, each with unique radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings. In particular, MR imaging offers the unique ability to determine the exact type of tarsal coalition that is present as well as whether any associated soft tissue abnormalities are present. Questions/Purposes: The purposes of this paper were to (1) review the anatomy of the hindfoot; (2) review the radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings of tarsal coalitions; and (3) review the imaging appearance of the specific types of tarsal coalitions. Methods: Online searches were performed using Google Scholar with the search criteria of "tarsal coalition," "hindfoot anatomy," and "subtalar coalition," and limiting the searches to papers published in the last 10 years in major radiology journals. Results: The anatomy of the hindfoot is complex but essential to understand. There are various radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings that can be consistently noted in cases of tarsal coalition. The specific types of tarsal coalition demonstrate characteristic imaging findings. Conclusions: Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the foot, in particular the hindfoot, combined with the knowledge of the imaging characteristics of different histologic subtypes of coalitions (osseous, cartilaginous, and fibrous) is essential for interpreting radiographic, CT, and MR images of the ankle and foot.

Chronic stiff, aching left foot

“…A cartilaginous bridge persists between the tarsal bones, which can ossify spontaneously during maturation or because of activity-related mechanical stress. As a result, tarsal bridging coalition can be cartilaginous (synchondrosis), fibrous (syndesmosis) or osseous (synostosis) [1,2].…”

“…A cartilaginous bridge persists between the tarsal bones, which can ossify spontaneously during maturation or because of activity-related mechanical stress. As a result, tarsal bridging coalition can be cartilaginous (synchondrosis), fibrous (syndesmosis) or osseous (synostosis) [1,2].The lateral surface of the navicular bone is rough and irregular, affording attachment of the cubo-navicular ligament, which also attaches to the dorsal and posteromedial surfaces of the cuboid. Usually, the anteromedial surface of the cuboid provides an articulating facet for the lateral cuneiform, but frequently there is an additional articulation with the navicular, divided from the lateral cuneiform articulation by a small vertical ridge.…”

Роль Гібридної Офект/Кт-Візуалізації В Діагностичному Моніторингу Пацієнтів Із Патологією Кісток Нижніх Кінцівок (Огляд Літератури)

“…Типовий сцинтиграфічний рисунок складається із збільшення поглинання РФП та фокальної гіперемії на зображеннях судинної фази ОФЕКТ [28], що простягається до проксимальної підошовної фасції та корелює з кістковою шпорою, яка характеризується візуалізацією затінення на знімку КТ (рис. 6в).…”

Postaxial limb hypoplasia (PALH): the classification, clinical features, and related developmental biology

“…6,31–36 Buffon is considered to be the first to describe TC, in 1769. 31,32,34 Later, Coventry 37 published an initial study in 1950 that illustrated the idea of hindfoot abnormality with TC.…”

“…TC refers to a pedal anomaly in which fusion of two or more bones of the hindfoot occurs, resulting in absent or restricted movement between bones. 6,[30][31][32][33][34][35] Buffon is considered to be the first to describe TC, in 1769. 30,31,33 Later, Coventry 36 published an initial study in 1950 that illustrated the idea of hindfoot abnormality with TC.…”