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Case Report: Talonavicular joint replacement in congenital talonavicular coalition with individualized 3D-printed prosthesis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Talonavicular coalition is a rare type of tarsal coalition that may lead to painful flatfoot and progressive functional impairment. Conventional talonavicular arthrodesis provides symptom relief but sacrifices joint motion. Motion-preserving reconstruction strategies remain largely unexplored. Case presentation: We report a case of congenital talonavicular coalition accompanied by flatfoot treated with individualized 3D-printed talonavicular joint replacement (TNJR) in a 12-year-old patient. At 24-month follow-up, the patient achieved complete pain relief (VAS 0) and significant functional improvement (AOFAS 98). Talonavicular joint motion was preserved with 15° inversion/eversion and 15° pronation/supination. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated restoration of the medial longitudinal arch and correction of hindfoot valgus. Progressive improvement was observed in the calcaneal pitch, talonavicular coverage, and hindfoot alignment angles, whereas Meary's angle showed a slight increase. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the feasibility of individualized 3D-printed TNJR as a potential motion-preserving option for selected patients with extensive congenital talonavicular coalition.

Source: Frontiers in Surgery

DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2026.1865047