| Tarsal tunnel | |
|---|---|
 Medial view of theankle. The structures within the tarsal tunnel are depicted. | |
Dissection video (1 min 55 s) | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | canalis tarsi |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Thetarsal tunnel is a passage found along the innerleg underneath themedial malleolus of theankle.
The roof of the tarsal tunnel is formed by theflexor retinaculum of the foot.[1] The floor of the tarsal tunnel is formed by themedial malleolus and thecalcaneus.[1]
Thetibial nerve,posterior tibial artery,posterior tibial vein, and flexor tendons travel in a bundle along this pathway through the tarsal tunnel, in the following order from anteromedial to posterolateral:
In the tunnel, the tibial nerve splits into three different paths.[3] Themedial calcaneal branches of the tibial nerve continues to the heel, while themedial plantar nerve and thelateral plantar nerve continue on to the bottom of thefoot.[3]
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the most commonly reported nerve entrapment of the ankle. It is analogous tocarpal tunnel syndrome in thewrist. It is caused by compression of thetibial nerve underneath theflexor retinaculum of the foot.[1] People with tarsal tunnel syndrome have pain in the plantar aspect of the foot mostly at night. Weight bearing increases pain and weakness is found on intrinsic foot muscles with positiveTinel sign at the tunnel. There is no tenderness present on the plantar foot, though this is typically the primary site of complaint.
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