Bilateral Tarsal Coalitions: Are Postoperative Outcomes Different From Unilateral?

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to assess and compare clinical outcomes for patients with bilateral tarsal coalitions who had at least one coalition treated with surgical excision. Method: Patients were identified prospectively and agreed to participate. Data was collected prior to surgery, and again after surgery for up to 2 years. Comparisons of patients with unilateral disease to bilateral disease as well as unilateral excision to bilateral staggered and bilateral concomitant excision was done. Results: Initial cohort included 55 patients with 70 feet containing a tarsal coalition. 30 patients with 45 feet had bilateral tarsal coalition excision during the study period. Post-operative outcomes were considerably improved from preoperative outcomes. Five bilateral patients had concomitant excision, and ten had staggered surgery. There was no difference in outcome from patients with unilateral disease when compared to bilateral disease. There was no difference in patients with bilateral disease who had only one side excised compared to those that had both sides excised, and there was no difference in outcome for patients with staggered surgery compared to those with concomitant surgery. Conclusions: Patients with bilateral tarsal coalition show improvement in their outcomes in a similar fashion to those with unilateral disease. Concomitant surgical outcomes are comparable to staggered outcomes in this group, although the series is small.