Objective To review the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of tarsal coal ition. Methods Recent l iterature concerning the diagnosis and treatment of tarsal coal ition was reviewed. Results Tarsal coal ition is a bridge between the tarsal bones of the foot. The most common types are talocalcaneal and calcaneonavicular coal itions. Calcaneonavicular coal itions can be diagnosed with an oblique radiograph of the hindfoot. Most talocalcaneal coal itions require computer tomography for diagnostic confirmation. Magnetic resonance imaging may be useful for diagnoses of cartilaginous andfibrous coal ition. Casting is the usual initial treatment for the symptomatic individual. For patients with treatment failure and no degenerative changes, resection of the coal ition can be performed with good results. Isolated subtalar fusion may be performed for patients with failure of talocalcaneal resections. For patients undergoing failure of subtalar fusions and calcaneonavicular resection, tri ple arthrodesis may be performed. During minimally invasive operation, operation indications should be strictly controlled. Conclusion The diagnosis method of tarsal coal ition is clear. The cl inical manifestation combined with imaging examination can improve the diagnosis rate. The surgical indication of tarsal coal ition remains controversial, the randomized prospective studies are still required.
