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Clinical results after tarsal tunnel decompression
1University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Surgical decompression of the posterior tibial nerve for tarsal tunnel syndrome yielded limited success, with less than half of patients experiencing significant pain relief. Preoperative electrodiagnostic studies did not predict surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Podiatry
Background:
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome, characterized by posterior tibial nerve compression, causes foot pain and disability.
- Surgical decompression aims to alleviate symptoms by releasing the compressed nerve.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of posterior tibial nerve exploration and decompression for tarsal tunnel syndrome.
- To assess the correlation between preoperative electrodiagnostic studies and surgical success.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 32 feet from 30 patients undergoing tarsal tunnel surgery between 1982 and 1990.
- Follow-up averaged 31 months, assessing patient satisfaction, pain relief, and complications.
- Analysis included preoperative electrodiagnostic study results.
Main Results:
- Only 44% of patients reported marked benefit (good or excellent results).
- 38% experienced poor outcomes with no long-term pain relief.
- Preoperative electrodiagnostic studies showed no correlation with clinical outcomes.
- Complications included wound infections and delayed healing (13%).
Conclusions:
- Surgical decompression for tarsal tunnel syndrome demonstrated suboptimal outcomes in this patient series compared to previous reports.
- The efficacy of electrodiagnostic studies in predicting surgical success remains questionable.
- Further research is needed to identify factors influencing surgical outcomes for tarsal tunnel syndrome.