Coalition

A coalition is a joining of two bones that are normally discrete . It is usually a congenital abnormality. The bridge between the bones is initially fibrous, then gradually becomes cartilaginous, finally ossifying. Symptoms tend to arise as the coalition forms a synostosis, which is usually from 8 to 16 years of age .

Types

• tarsal coalition
  • calcaneonavicular coalition
  • talocalcaneal coalition
• carpal coalition
  • lunotriquetral coalition
  • capitohamate coalition

Many rarer coalitions have been reported in the literature.

History and etymology

Coalition is derived from the Latin word 'coalescere' which means to grow together .