Distal tarsal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome are among the commonest peripheral nerve compressive neuropathies. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is rather uncommon and when solely affecting one of the tibial nerve’s branches, distally to the flexor retinaculum, is called distal tarsal tunnel syndrome. In this paper, we presented a case of distal tarsal tunnel syndrome in a patient with recalcitrant chronic pain in right foot. The recognition and release of the tibial nerve and its branches in the four medial ankle tunnels is mandatory for the surgical treatment of this condition, from the proximal portion of the tarsal tunnel until the more distal branches of the nerve (medial and plantar nerves). Distal tarsal tunnel syndrome must be considered in chronic neurogenic foot pain patients, especially in unspecific diagnoses and after failure of prolonged conservative treatments.