How to Treat Fibrocartilaginous Calcaneonavicular Coalition

Overview

Fibrocartilaginous calcaneonavicular coalition is a congenital condition involving a "bridge" that connects two bones in the foot. It results when the calcaneus and the navicular bones, which are located in the foot, don't fully separate, leading to a small bridge of cartilage connecting the two bones. This causes pain and discomfort, as well as posing problems for walking.

Step 1

Confirm the diagnosis. Although the symptoms may seem to begin suddenly, this is a congenital condition (meaning it was there from birth) and, as such, can require long-term treatment. As a result, multiple X-rays and a CT scan are critical to confirming the diagnosis of fibrocartilaginous calcaneonavicular coalition.

Step 2

Immobilize the foot by fitting a cast that immobilizes the foot and ankle completely for three to six weeks.

Step 3

Fit an orthosis (a plastic foot and ankle brace) to the affected foot. This device will be custom fitted and will help give support to the foot.

Step 4

Have the affected bones surgically separated. For this procedure, the cartilage bridge connecting the two bones is cut and removed, with a muscle (the extensor digitorum brevis) put in between the two bones to prevent the bridge from forming again.

Step 5

Have the bones fused. This can be done on coalitions that are too far advanced to have the bridge cut. As a result, the bones may instead be permanently fused to relieve joint problems and to prevent the bones from grinding against each other.