Purpose: We aimed to determine the factors that influence the symptoms of naviculo-cuneiform (NC) coalition using radiography and computed tomography (CT).
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the radiographic and CT findings of 37 NC coalition cases. The existence of a large pit (depth >3 mm), irregular articular surface, joint space narrowing, dorsal bony spur, subchondral sclerosis, multiple subchondral bony cysts, and intra-articular loose body were evaluated on radiographs or CT. The size of the largest subchondral bony cyst was also measured using CT. All cases were divided into two subgroups according to the symptoms. Fisher's exact test was used to distinguish the factors influencing the symptoms.
Results: Twenty-three and fourteen feet were enrolled into the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively. The rates of the large pit on either radiograph (47.83 vs. 21.43%) or CT (65.22 vs. 28.57%) were significantly different between both groups ( p = 0.001). The mean size of the largest subchondral bony cyst on CT was also significantly greater in the symptomatic group (4.25 vs. 1.53 mm, p = 0.005).
Conclusion: A large deep pit and huge subchondral bony cyst on the radiograph or CT can be related to symptoms for the patient with NC coalition. A CT is highly recommended for a more accurate evaluation in patients with NC coalition.
Keywords: computed tomography; naviculo-first cuneiform coalition; naviculo-medial cuneiform coalition; tarsal coalition.