The relationship of tarsal coalitions to ankle sprains in athletes.

A review of charts and x-ray films of individuals who sustained ankle sprains was carried out to determine the presence of calcaneonavicular coalition. Coalitions were present in 63% of 215 patients with 223 ankle sprains. In 130 ankle sprains recorded as occurring directly in athletics, 65% of the x-ray films showed some degree of calcaneal navicular abnormality. This study found a much higher percentage of coalitions than anticipated in either the general population or the injured athletic population and reinforced the belief that there may be an underlying anatomic predisposition to ankle sprains.