The anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome

The anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, first described in 1968 by Marinacci, is characterized by a compression of the deep peroneal nerve under the inferior extensor retinaculum. The patients complaint of pains on the dorsum of the foot, especially at night. Clinically result sensory deficits in the involved area between the first and second toes as well as paresis and atrophy of the extensor digitorum brevis. The distal latency of the deep peroneal nerve is increased, the EMG shows active and chronic denervation of the extensor digitorum brevis. In cases with partial anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome only the motoric branch to the extensor digitorum brevis or only the sensory branch of the deep peroneal nerve after the division under the inferior extensor retinaculum is compressed. Two cases with complete and one with partial anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome are presented, etiology, symptomatology, differential diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities are discussed.