Effect of foot and ankle position on tarsal tunnel compartment volume

BACKGROUND: Tarsal tunnel pressure is increased when the foot and ankle are positioned in eversion or inversion from neutral, aggravating symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome in some patients. Space-occupying lesions may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. We hypothesized that positional change of the foot and ankle from neutral to eversion or inversion causes decreased tarsal tunnel compartment volume that may aggravate symptoms of posterior tibial nerve entrapment. METHODS: MRI of 13 ankles in nine healthy subjects in three positions (neutral, eversion, inversion) were obtained with respect to the malleolar-calcaneal plane; this plane was defined by the distal tip of the anterior colliculus of the medial malleolus, the medial tubercle of the posterior calcaneal tuberosity, and the lateral tubercle of the posterior calcaneal tuberosity. The borders of the tarsal tunnel noted on the MRI were traced with a computer digitizing apparatus to determine the cross-sectional area of the tarsal tunnel on each image, and the slice thickness and interspace distance for the seven central images were used to calculate tarsal tunnel volume. RESULTS: The mean tarsal tunnel volume was significantly greater when the foot and ankle were in neutral position (21.5 +/- 0.9 cm(3)) than in either full eversion (18.0 +/- 0.9 cm(3); p = or < 0.001) or inversion (20.3 +/- 1.0 cm(3); p = or < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the hypothesis that eversion and inversion of the foot and ankle cause decreased compartment volume of the tarsal tunnel and increased tarsal tunnel pressure that may contribute to symptoms of posterior tibial nerve entrapment in tarsal tunnel syndrome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Neutral immobilization of the foot and ankle may relieve symptoms of posterior tibial nerve entrapment in tarsal tunnel syndrome by minimizing pressure on the nerve and maximizing tarsal tunnel compartment volume available for the nerve.     

A positive Tinel sign as predictor of pain relief or sensory recovery after decompression of chronic tibial nerve compression in patients with diabetic neuropathy

Predictive ability of a positive Tinel sign over the tibial nerve in the tarsal was evaluated as a prognostic sign in determining sensory outcomes after distal tibial neurolysis in diabetics with chronic nerve compression at this location. Outcomes were evaluated with a visual analog score (VAS) for pain and measurements of the cutaneous pressure threshold/two-point discrimination. A multicenter prospective study enrolled 628 patients who had a positive Tinel sign. Of these patients, 465 (74%) had VAS >5. Each patient had a release of the tarsal tunnel and a neurolysis of the medial and lateral plantar and calcaneal tunnels. Subsequent, contralateral, identical surgery was done in 211 of the patients (152 of which had a VAS >5). Mean VAS score decreased from 8.5 to 2.0 (p <0.001) at 6 months, and remained at this level for 3.5 years. Sensibility improved from a loss of protective sensation to recovery of some two-point discrimination during this same time period. It is concluded that a positive Tinel sign over the tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel in a diabetic patient with chronic nerve compression at this location predicts significant relief of pain and improvement in plantar sensibility.     

Touch pressure and sensory density after tarsal tunnel release in diabetic neuropathy

BackgroundLimited quantitative information is available about the improvement of protective sensation after tarsal tunnel release in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.MethodsProspective, non-blinded, non-randomized case series of 10 feet in 8 diabetic patients and 24 feet in 22 non-diabetic patients who had tarsal tunnel release. Preoperative and postoperative (average, 8–9 months) anatomic, quantitative sensory testing was done with touch pressure 1-point threshold (Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments) and 2-point discrimination.ResultsThere was marked, significant postoperative improvement of mean touch pressure 1-point threshold, compared with preoperative values, for medial calcaneal, medial plantar, and lateral plantar nerves in both non-diabetic and diabetic patients. There was minimal improvement in 2-point discrimination only for the medial calcaneal nerve in non-diabetic, but not in diabetic, patients.ConclusionsNerve entrapment at the tarsal tunnel is an important component of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Tarsal tunnel decompression may improve sensory impairment and restore protective sensation.     

A touch pressure sensory assessment of the surgical treatment of the tarsal tunnel syndrome

Background

Decompressive tarsal tunnel surgery may improve dysfunctional plantar foot sensation in, patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. However, quantitative sensory, assessment is lacking.

Method

Quantitative sensory threshold evaluation of 42 feet in 37 consecutive (29 non-diabetic and 8 diabetic) patients was done before and after surgical decompression for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Insensitivity was documented quantitatively (grams force) before and after surgery using a graded series of twenty Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments applied to the anatomic nerve regions of the plantar aspect of the foot.

Results

Sensory evaluation at an average of 12 months after surgery showed significant improvement, of mean sensory threshold, compared with preoperative values, for medial calcaneal, medial plantar, and lateral plantar nerves.

Conclusion

Quantitative sensory assessment with a graded series of twenty Semmes–Weinstein, monofilaments showed significant sensory improvement in the medial calcaneal, medial plantar, and, lateral plantar nerves after posterior tibial nerve decompression.     

Neurolysis for Failed Tarsal Tunnel Surgery

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the causes of failure after tarsal tunnel release and the operative findings in the secondary interventions and the outcomes. The data from 8 patients who had undergone revision surgery for failed tarsal tunnel release at least 12 months earlier were evaluated retrospectively. Only the patients with idiopathic tarsal tunnel syndrome were included, and all had unilateral symptoms. Neurophysiologic tests confirmed the clinical diagnosis of failed tarsal tunnel release in all patients. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed varicose veins within the tarsal tunnel in 1 patient (12.5%) and tenosynovitis in another (12.5%). Open tarsal tunnel release was performed in all patients, and the tibialis posterior nerve, medial and lateral plantar nerves (including the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve), and medial calcaneal nerve were released in their respective tunnels, and the septum between the tunnels was resected. The outcomes were assessed according to subjective patient satisfaction as excellent, good, fair, or poor. During revision surgery, insufficient release of the tarsal tunnel, especially distally, was observed in all the patients, and fibrosis of the tibialis posterior nerve was present in 1 (12.5%). The outcomes according to subjective patient satisfaction were excellent in 5 (62.5%), good in 2 (25%), and fair in 1 (12.5%). The fair outcome was obtained in the patient with fibrosis of the nerve. Insufficient release of the tarsal tunnel was the main cause of failed tarsal tunnel release. Releasing the 4 distinct tunnels and permitting immediate mobilization provided satisfactory results in patients with failed tarsal tunnel release.     

跗管综合征的应用解剖学研究

目的:为跗管综合征的诊治提供形态学基础。方法:对61例成人下肢标本的跗管进行观测。结果:(1)跗管可分为前室、后浅室和后深室,胫神经、胫动静脉位于浅后室内;(2)跗管内容物有3％的变异率;(3)足内外侧神经分叉部59％位于踝跟轴线上方,26％位于下方,9％平轴线;(4)跟神经2支及2支以上者占51.3％。57.8％的跟神经来源于足外侧神经,35.4％来自胫神经,6.8％来自足内侧神经。结论:任何导致后浅室内高压的因素均可引起跗管综合征,手术以松解后浅室为主,各神经支的解剖变异在诊治时应加注意。     

Neuromas of the calcaneal nerves.

A neuroma of a calcaneal nerve has never been reported. A series of 15 patients with heel pain due to a neuroma of a calcaneal nerve are reviewed. These patients previously had either a plantar fasciotomy (n = 4), calcaneal spur removal (n = 2), ankle fusion (n = 2), or tarsal tunnel decompression (n = 7). Neuromas occurred on calcaneal branches that arose from either the posterior tibial nerve (n = 1), lateral plantar nerve (n = 1), the medial plantar nerve (n = 9), or more than one of these nerves (n = 4). Operative approach was through an extended tarsal tunnel incision to permit identification of all calcaneal nerves. The neuroma was resected and implanted into the flexor hallucis longus muscle. Excellent relief of pain occurred in 60%, and good relief in 33%. One patient (17%) had no improvement and required resection of the lateral plantar nerve. Awareness that the heel may be innervated by multiple calcaneal branches suggests that surgery for heel pain of neural origin employ a surgical approach that permits identification of all possible calcaneal branches.     

Outcome of neurolysis for failed tarsal tunnel surgery

Revision tarsal tunnel surgery was performed on 44 patients (two bilaterally). The surgical procedure included a neurolysis of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel, the medial plantar, lateral plantar, and calcaneal nerves in their respective tunnels, excision of the intertunnel septum, and neuroma resection as indicated. A painful tarsal tunnel scar or painful heel was treated, respectively, by resection of the distal saphenous nerve or a calcaneal nerve branch. Postoperative, immediate ambulation was permitted. Outcomes were assessed with a numerical grading scale that included neurosensory measurements. Outcomes were also assessed by patient satisfaction and their own estimate of residual pain and/or numbness. Mean follow-up time was 2.2 years. Outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction were 54% excellent, 24% good, 13% fair, and 9% poor results. The mean preoperative numerical score was 6.0 and the mean postoperative score was 2.7. There was a significant improvement seen, based on the median difference between scores (P<0.001). Prognostic indicators of poor results in our patient group were coexisting lumbosacral disc disease and/or neuropathy. An approach related to resecting painful cutaneous nerves and neurolysis of all tibial nerve branches at the ankle offers hope for relief of pain and recovery of sensation for the majority of patients with failed previous tarsal tunnel surgery.     

Sigmoid notch reconstruction and limited carpal arthrodesis for a severely comminuted distal radius malunion: case report

We present the case of a young patient with a severely comminuted, malunited, intra-articular distal radius fracture and complete disruption of the sigmoid notch. We reconstructed the malunited distal radioulnar joint by osteotomy and repositioning the displaced sigmoid notch fragments through a combined dorsal and volar approach. At the same time, we carried out a radioscapholunate arthrodesis with distal scaphoid excision. We used a free vascularized corticoperiosteal flap from the medial femoral condyle to span the massive bone defect in the radius to obtain union. At the 2.5-year follow-up, the patient had essentially normal function of the distal radioulnar joint (painless, with 85° of active pronation and 75° of supination). He resumed work as a bricklayer without limitations. We conclude that sigmoid notch reconstruction by osteotomy is worthwhile in the setting of malunited distal radius whether or not the radiocarpal joint is reconstructable.     

An anatomical study of tarsal tunnel

In order to understand the pathogenesis and improve the treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome, we investigated the tarsal region anatomically on 62 feet of 31 cadavers and five freshly amputated feet. The following results were thus obtained: 1. The bifurcation into the medial and lateral plantar nerves mostly occurred within the flexor retinaculum. 2. The medial calcaneal branch showed many anatomical variations. 3. The flexor retinaculum was not clearly demarcated at its superior and inferior borders, and it was not as thick as previously thought. 4. The neurovascular bundle was separated from other tendon sheaths, and enclosed in its own tunnel. 5. A fibrous septum found at the entrance of the abductor hallucis muscle, may represent an entrapment point of the medial plantar nerve. 6. The ganglion from the talocalcaneal joint tended to compress only the medial plantar nerve.     

Results of decompression of four medial ankle tunnels in the treatment of tarsal tunnels syndrome

Controversy surrounds the surgical approach and efficacy for tibial nerve compression at the ankle. The hypotheses tested are that the poor published results are due to failure to recognize that the tarsal tunnel is analogous to the forearm, not the carpal tunnel, and that postoperative ankle immobilization contributes to poor results by permitting fibrosis of the tibial nerve branches. From January of 1987 through December of 1994, a consecutive series of 77 patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome was accrued, 10 of whom had the condition bilaterally. The surgical approach included a neurolysis of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel and the medial, lateral plantar, calcaneal nerves in their own tunnels. Postoperatively, immediate weight bearing and ambulation were permitted in a bulky cotton dressing. The dressing was removed at 1 week. For the 87 legs, mean follow-up after surgery was 3.6 years. Utilizing the traditional postoperative assessment, there were 82% excellent, 11% good, 5% fair, and 2% poor results. Utilizing a numerical grading scale, there was a statistically significant improvement at the P<0.001 level for sensory and also for motor impairment. Recognition that decompression of four medial ankle tunnels and immediate postoperative mobilization of the tibial nerve through ambulation is necessary results in a high level of success for patients with tarsal tunnels syndrome.     

循原骨折线截骨矫正跟骨骨折畸形愈合

目的 探讨循原骨折线截骨矫正跟骨骨折畸形愈合方法的可行性.方法 2004年8月至2007年5月,跟骨骨折畸形愈合患者25例28足,男23例26足,女2例2足;年龄22～56岁,平均31岁;受伤至手术时间1.5～12个月,平均4.6个月.采用循原骨折线截骨术进行治疗.按照Zwipp和Rammelt跟骨骨折畸形愈合的分类方法进行分类,其中Ⅲ型11例12足,Ⅳ型14例16足.术前均摄双足跟骨侧位、轴位X线片及行CT检查,12例患者(14足)行三维CT重建.根据Sander及Essex-Lopresti分类,参考原始X线片对不同骨折类型制定截骨线,重现原始骨折.根据CT轴位载距突及外侧骨块所带关节面的宽度和轴位骨折线的斜度从前外上到后内下斜行截骨,恢复跟骨的高度,将后关节骨折块向后上撬起,使塌陷的后关节面骨块复位.骨缺损处,用劈下的跟骨外侧壁填塞植骨,或取自体髂骨植骨,最后用钢板螺钉固定.结果 24例26足获得随访,随访时间10～16个月,平均12个月.骨折愈合时间10～14周,平均12周.2例发生伤口感染,经抗生素治疗后10周取出钢板伤口愈合.无一例发生钢板螺钉断裂和骨折再移位.按照Maryland足部评分标准,优10足,良12足,可4足,优良率84%.结论 循原骨折线截骨重现原始骨折,可恢复跟骨的骨性结构,能更好地矫正跟骨各方位畸形,同时保留距下关节,减少了手术对足踝功能的影响,近期疗效满意.     

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

In 14 patients tarsal tunnel syndrome was associated with varus heels and pronated, splayed forefeet. Review of the literature and the author's experience suggest that these conditions may be a common cause of the tarsal tunnel syndrome. Treatment of fixed varus deformities of the heel by outer heel wedges has been shown to be ineffective. Although outer heel wedges provide symptomatic relief in patients with relatively flexible hindfeet, surgical release of the flexor retinaculum behind the medial malleolus is the treatment of choice in patients who have the tarsal tunnel syndrome with planovarus deformity and is successful in more than 90% of cases. The tarsal tunnel syndrome, in the author's experience, is grossly underdiagnosed. Tarsal tunnel syndrome should be suspected in patients who have pain in the bottom of the feet without localized forefoot tenderness, who have a varus heel and a pronated, splayed forefoot, and who have a positive Tinel's sign behind the medial malleolus. It is important to differentiate tarsal tunnel syndrome from a peripheral neuropathy that obviously will not respond to surgical intervention.     

Operative Nervendekompression an der unteren Extremit?t bei diabetischer Polyneuropathie

Objective

Surgical decompression of nerves of the lower leg should facilitate swelling-related pressure in diabetic polyneuropathic similar to carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome. Pain reduction, reduced need for pain medication, improved pedal sensitivity, improved balance and proprioception, and potential prevention of ulcerations and amputations are the objectives of the operation.

Indications

Diabetic polyneuropathy with positive Hoffmann-Tinel sign over the tarsal tunnel and an ankle-brachial index?>0.7

Contraindications

No Hoffmann-Tinel sign over the tarsal tunnel, no pain, no sensibility disorders, ankle-brachial index?<0.7, body weight?>140?kg. Relative contraindication: venous stasis and postthromobitic syndrome.

Surgical technique

Under general or spinal anesthesia, tourniquet, decompression of nerves of the lower leg in three locations: (1) common peroneal nerve at the fibula head with incision of the peroneus longus muscle, (2) tarsal tunnel with its four tunnels: (a) tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel, (b) medial plantar nerve in the medial plantar tunnel, (c) lateral plantar nerve in the lateral plantar tunnel, (d) Rr. calcaneare in the calcaneal tunnel, (3) dorsum of the foot with decompression of the peroneus profundus nerve with excision of the extensor hallucis brevis muscle.

Postoperative management

No weight bearing for up to 3?weeks, suture removal after 3?weeks, water aerobics starting postoperative week?4.

Results

A total of 12?patients (64±9?years) were operated and were followed up for 12±6?months. Procedure time was 83±27?min. Pain reduction on a visual analogue scale improved from 7.1±1.2 preoperatively to 3.3±2.4 postoperatively. Balance improved on a Likert scale (1=best, 6=worst) from 5±1 to 2±1, while sensory impairment improved from 5±2 to 3±1. There were no ulcerations or amputations. Two secondary wound healing problems at the ankle and one lower leg venous thrombosis 2?weeks following discharge were managed conservatively.     

Fracture dislocation of the calcaneus. A report of two cases

In two typical cases of calcaneal fracture dislocation, the primary fracture, which runs forward and medially from a point behind the sustentaculum tali, is associated with inversion of the hindfoot. The calcaneus splits into a small anteromedial and a larger posterolateral fragment. Rupture of the lateral collateral ligament allows the posterolateral calcaneal fragment to move laterally to lie immediately subjacent to the distal fibula. Closed reduction is impossible. Open reduction of this rare fracture dislocation is essential. A lateral approach to the calcaneus is generally sufficient, but a second medial incision may be required.     

A Case of Posterior Tibial Nerve Injury After Arthroscopic Calcaneoplasty

We report the first case of distal posterior tibial nerve injury after arthroscopic calcaneoplasty. A 59-year-old male had undergone right arthroscopic calcaneoplasty to treat retrocalcaneal bursitis secondary to a Haglund's deformity. The patient complained of numbness in his right foot immediately after the procedure. Two years later and after numerous assessments and investigations, a lateral plantar nerve and medial calcaneal nerve lesion was diagnosed. In the operating room, the presence of an iatrogenic lesion to the distal right lateral plantar nerve (neuroma incontinuity involving 20% of the nerve) and the medial calcaneal nerve (complete avulsion) was confirmed. The tarsal tunnel was decompressed, and both the medial and the lateral plantar nerve were neurolyzed under magnification. To the best of our knowledge, our case report is the first to describe iatrogenic posterior tibial nerve injury after arthroscopic calcaneoplasty. It is significant because this complication can hopefully be avoided in the future with careful planning and creation of arthroscopic ports and treated appropriately with early referral to a nerve specialist if the patient's symptoms do not improve within 3 months.     

跗骨窦切口治疗SandersⅡ、Ⅲ型跟骨骨折

目的探讨跗骨窦切口治疗SandersⅡ、Ⅲ型跟骨骨折的临床疗效。方法采用跗骨窦切口治疗30例SandersⅡ、Ⅲ型跟骨骨折患者。记录并发症情况,测量跟骨B?hler角、Gissane角、跟骨宽度及高度,根据AOFAS踝-后足评分系统评价疗效。结果患者均获得随访,时间12~18个月。Gissane角、B?hler角、跟骨宽度及高度术后3、6个月均较术前改善(P<0.05)。骨折均愈合,未发生切口皮肤坏死、深部感染、内固定位置改变和骨折复位丢失。末次随访根据AOFAS踝-后足评分系统评价疗效:优20例,良6例,可4例,优良率26/30。结论采用跗骨窦切口治疗跟骨骨折具有创伤小、并发症少等优点,疗效满意。     

The "susper" lesion,a specific entity in open calcaneal fractures

The limited soft tissue covering makes the treatment of open calcaneal fractures especially difficult. The most important objectives in open fracture management are to avoid infection, to obtain fracture healing and to restore function. Low-velocity open fractures with a medial skin split, the so-called "susper" lesions, represent a distinct fracture group in which standard operative treatment is not contra-indicated. The medial skin split is caused by the sustentaculum fragment which perforates the medial skin during landing on the everted and externally rotated heel.