Tarsal tunnel syndrome is characterized by pain, paresthesias in the foot in either the entire distribution of the tibial nerve or the distribution of one or two of its major branches and caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus.
This syndrome is not recognized as readily as its counterpart in the upper extremity, the carpal tunnel syndrome.
Anatomically unlike the transv erse carpal ligament the laciniate ligament(flexor retinaculum) has several deep fibrous septa which blend with the periosteuni covering the medial side of the caleaneus. The neurovascular bundle in the tarsal tunnel is often attached to some of these septa, rendering itself more liable to minor degrees of traction on movements of the foot.
A case of tarsal tunnel syndrome, the patient 24 years old policeman, treated succesfully with surgical release of laciniate ligament is reported.
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