Sex Differences in Tarsal Coalition in Nigerians

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the incidence of tarsal coalitions and any exisiting sexual differences in Nigerians. Five hundred and seventy-four (574) ankle/foot radiographs comprising 369 male and 205 female radiographs were used. The ages ranged from6 months to 90 years. The results showed 30 cases of tarsal coalition out of which 17 (56.67%) were males while 13 (43.33 %) were females. In males 10 (33.33%) were talocalcaneal coalition, 2 (6.67%) were cubonavicular coalition, 2 (6.67%) were talonavicular, 1 (3.33%) each of naviculo-cuneiform, calcaneonavicular and medial intermediate cuneiform. There was no calcaneo-cuboidal in males. In females, 4 (13.3%) were talocalcaneal, 2 (6.67%) were calcaneo-navicular, 3(10%) were cuneo-cuboid, 1 (3.33%) was talo-navicular, naviculo-cunciform, calcaneo navicular and calcaneo-cuboidal each. There was no medial intermediate cuneiform coalition in females. The incidence of tarsal coalition was significantly higher (p<0.05) in males (56.67%) than in females (43.33%). The percentages of tarsal coalition in general population amongst the male and female Nigerians were 2.96% and 2.26% respectively. The total percentage was 5.22%. Thus tarsal coalition exists in Nigeria and has slight male predominance over the female. The study is a good contribution to knowledge.