Innovative surgical treatment of tarsal coalition in flatfoot: Resection and interposition of synthetic membrane, flexible bioresorbable polymers film, as adhesion barrier and subtalar arthroeresis. Up to nine years follow-up.

Abstract

Tarsal coalition can be a long term severely disabling condition. For symptomatic cases with flatfoot surgical resection of coalition and subtalar arthroeresis represents the most common treatment. Literature reports variable outcomes and recurrence. The aim was to achieve optimal correction with no recurrence. This retrospective study presents, reporting results, an innovative technique that provides numerous advantages and improved outcomes. Nineteen patients suffering from painful flatfoot from tarsal coalition were, consecutively, surgically treated by resection of tarsal coalition with interposition of a synthetic flexible bioresorbable polymers membrane as an adhesion barrier and by subtalar arthroeresis. AOFAS scores were used to rate the clinical severity and X-ray/ CT to evaluate the extent of tarsal coalition. Patient's age at time of surgery ranged from 12 to 21. The period examined runs from November 2010 to November 2019. Results were evaluated (up to 9 years follow-up) clinically by AFOAS scores and radiologically by X-ray/CT. AOFAS scores improved in all patients with significant (p < 0.01) pain reduction or disappearance, corrected alignment and increased function, biomechanics of the foot and mobility. X-ray showed no recurrence of coalition in all but one case. There were no complications and patients reported a significant improvement in quality of life. Our study shows that surgical resection of coalition, and correction of flatfoot by subtalar arthroeresis, with the innovative use of a flexible bioresorbable polymers membrane as an adhesion barrier, obtained excellent overall results and importantly prevented recurrence. We believe this technique represents a great option. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.