Abstract:ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of extensor digitorum brevis transfer and fat graft interposition following surgical resection of calcaneonavicular coalition. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 28 patients with calcaneonavicular coalition who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Orthopaedics at Rui Jin Hospital between July 2008 and August 2018. There were 15 males and 13 females with an average age of(33.5±4.8)(range: 13-65 years). There were 13 congenital calcaneonavicular coalitions and 15 acquired calcaneonavicular coalitions. Visual analogue scores of pain(VAS) was(5.5±0.5) points(range: 4-8 points). The mean America Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) midfoot score was(62.6±1.2) points(range: 44-76 points). The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical procedure they received: one group(n=14) underwent surgical resection of the coalition combined with extensor digitorum brevis transfer, while the other group(n=14) received coalition resection with fat graft interposition. The perioperative parameters, imaging findings, VAS(visual analog scale) and AOFAS(American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) scores, and recurrence rates were evaluated in the two groups. ResultsAll the 28 patients were followed-up for a mean duration of(65±7.3) months(range: 48-97 months), with all surgical wounds healing primarily. At the final follow-up: the extensor digitorum brevis transfer group demonstrated longer operative time and hospital stay, and shorter wound healing time, the VAS scores ranged from 0 to 5 points [mean: (1.6±0.3) points], the AOFAS hindfoot scores ranged from 78 to 100 points [mean: (88.6±1.4) points]. The VAS scores in fat graft interposition group ranged from 0 to 4 points [mean: (1.9±0.2) points], the AOFAS hindfoot scores ranged from 74 to 96 points [mean: (87.2±2.3) points]. No coalition recurrence or joint degeneration were observed in all patients. Notably, the fat graft interposition group exhibited significantly lower VAS scores at 1-month post operation when compared to that in the tendon transfer group(P<0.05). ConclusionSurgical resection of calcaneonavicular coalition combined with soft tissue interposition yields satisfactory clinical outcomes. The efficacy of extensor digitorum brevis transfer and fat graft interposition is comparable in these patients.