Tarsal tunnel syndrome: clinical and pathological results

The tarsal tunnel syndrome is a complex entity. The condition results from a compression of the posterior tibial nerve, either at its terminal or collateral branches, at the tibio-astragalo-calcaneal canal of Richet. A retrospective study of 27 consecutive cases, treated by epi- or perineural neurolysis, illustrates the variability of the clinical picture but fails to confirm the complete and immediate success of the intervention, as reported by the majority of authors. However, the long-term follow-up shows a significant improvement in the terminal latencies of the posterior tibial nerve at 2 years post-surgery. A pathological study of 20 cadaveric feet discloses microscopic anomalies in 22 of the 120 nerve biopsy specimens.