The natural course of pain in patients with symptomatic tarsal coalitions: A retrospective clinical study

Abstract

Background: This study aims to examine changes in pain intensity in the long course of symptomatic tarsal coalition.

Methods: Thirty consecutive patients who were treated for symptomatic tarsal coalition was retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: the nonsurgical group (14 patients) and the surgical group (16 patients). To assess pain intensity, the visual analogous scale (VAS) was utilized.

Results: On admission, the mean VAS was 4,9 ± 1,9 in the nonsurgical group and 7,7 ± 1,3 in the surgical group (p < 0,05). After 6 months of nonoperative treatment, the mean VAS was decreased from 4,9 ± 1,9 to 2,8 ± 1,0 in the nonsurgical group (p < 0,05) and from 7,7 ± 1,3 to 7,1 ± 0,8 in the surgical group (p > 0,05). At the final follow-up, the mean VAS was 2,3 ± 2,4 in the nonsurgical group and 3,1 ± 2,7 in the surgical group (p > 0,05). The decrease in the VAS after surgery was significant in the surgical group (p < 0,01).

Conclusion: For patients with symptomatic tarsal coalitions who present with an initial VAS score of 6 and above, early surgery may be more effective than nonoperative treatment in relieving pain intensity.

Keywords: Early surgery; Natural course; Nonoperative treatment; Pain; Tarsal coalition.