Tibial Nerve Branching in the Tarsal Tunnel Article (Web of Science)

abstract

  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an infrequent and probably underdiagnosed clinical condition. Diagnosis and treatment depend on understanding the tibial branching pattern within the tarsal tunnel. A total of 68 foot dissections were performed. Bifurcation into the medial and lateral plantar nerves occurred within the tunnel in 93% and proximal in 7%. Proximal bifurcation may predispose to tarsal tunnel syndrome, and its infrequent occurrence correlates with the infrequent clinical diagnosis. Nine different calcaneal branching patterns were noted; they provide an anatomical explanation for heel sparing. An understanding of anatomic variations should aid in providing complete surgical release and in avoiding accidental heel denervations.

authors

  • Havel, Paul E.
  • Clark, Susan E.
  • Jackson, W. Thomas
  • DiDio, Liberato

publication date

  • 1988

published in

number of pages

  • 2

start page

  • 117

end page

  • 119

volume

  • 9

issue

  • 3