An Erratic Origin of Quadratus Plantae: An Embryological Error

Background: Quadratus plantae (Flexor digitorum accessorius) is one of the plantar muscles of foot . It is present in the second layer of sole. It takes origin from calcaneus and gets inserted into the tendon of flexor digitorum longus. The main function of it is to flex the lateral four toes in any position of the ankle joint by pulling on tendons of the flexor digitorum longus. Its variations like high origin have been implicated in the causation of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Methodology and Results: In routine dissection done on 22 cadavers, we observed a bilateral variant muscle flexor digitorum accessorius longus on both right and left sides in a male cadaver. The modality of choice in diagnosing the accessory muscle is magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion: The knowledge of this variation would be essential to anatomists, radiologists and also to the foot surgeons while performing posterior ankle endoscopy. KEY WORDS: Flexor digitorum Accessorius longus, Tarsal tunnel syndrome, Posterior ankle endoscopy.

Assessment of the frequency of tarsal tunnel syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Patients and methods: Thirty RA patients (1 male, 29 females; mean age: 41.9±10.1 years; range, 26 to 65 years) who met the American College Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria and 20 healthy volunteers (1 male, 19 females; mean age: 39.3±10.8 years; range, 26 to 60 years) without any complaints between August 2006 and October 2007 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of the study group were assessed and neurological examinations were performed. The Tinel’s sign was checked to provoke the TTS symptoms. Disease severity was measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The health-related quality of life and disability status were determined using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Short Form 36 (SF-36), Foot Function Index (FFI), and VAS (0-100 mm). The positional relationship of the foot pain was questioned with VAS. The 100-m walking distance of the patient and control groups were calculated. Results: Bilateral TTS was detected in 10 of the patients (33.3%) with rheumatoid arthritis. No relationship with the TTS disease duration, seropositivity, rheumatoid nodule, joint deformities, corticosteroid use, and DAS28 score were found. In correlation with TTS, foot and ankle joint were the first involved joints at the beginning of RA disease (p<0.005). The Tinel’s sign was found to be 45% positive in patients with TTS. The 100-m walking time was significantly longer in RA patients compared to the control group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is commonly seen in RA and its incidence increases in patients with primary foot involvement. Therefore, caution should be taken against the entrapment neuropathies in these patients, and they should be supported by electrophysiological practices, when the diagnosis is necessary.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome: current rationale, indications and results

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a neuropathy due to compression of the posterior tibial nerve and its branches. It is usually underdiagnosed and its aetiology is very diverse. In 20% of cases it is idiopathic. There is no test that diagnoses it with certainty. The diagnosis is usually made by correlating clinical history, imaging tests, nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and electromyography (EMG). A differential diagnosis should be made with plantar fasciitis, lumbosacral radiculopathy (especially S1 radiculopathy), rheumatologic diseases, metatarsal stress fractures and Morton’s neuroma. Conservative management usually gives good results. It includes activity modification, administration of pain relief drugs, physical and rehabilitation medicine, and corticosteroid injections into the tarsal tunnel (to reduce oedema). Abnormally slow nerve conduction through the posterior tibial nerve usually predicts failure of conservative treatment. Indications for surgical treatment are failure of conservative treatment and clear identification of the cause of the entrapment. In these circumstances, the results are usually satisfactory. Surgical success rates vary from 44% to 96%. Surgical treatment involves releasing the flexor retinaculum from its proximal attachment near the medial malleolus down to the sustentaculum tali. Ultrasound-guided tarsal tunnel release is possible. A positive Tinel’s sign before surgery is a strong predictor of surgical relief after decompression. Surgical treatment achieves the best results in young patients, those with a clear aetiology, a positive Tinel’s sign prior to surgery, a short history of symptoms, an early diagnosis and no previous ankle pathology. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:1140-1147. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210031

PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION RELIEVING TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN A RUNNER

“Tibial Nerve Dysfunction” or “Posterior Tibial Nerve Neuralgia” are terms used to describe Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS). It is a form of compressive neuropathy that emerges when the structures in the tarsal tunnel are compressed. In athletic individuals, TTS tends to be associated with running, jumping or impacted sports and so, is very common in middle aged runners. The symptoms include pain, paresthesia and numbness is the most common clinical presentation. A well designed physical therapy program plays an important role in recovering from such hampering conditions, a physical therapy rehabilitation program consist of pain reduction by using hot fermentation, contrast bath or paraffin wax bath. Strengthening of the musculature around ankle to avoid unnecessary forces on the joint along with balance training, agility training and education regarding footwear is essential for a complete recovery. Here, we report a case of 21 year old male, a Track Runner, presenting to the physiotherapy department at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Hospital Sawangi (M), Wardha with the complaints of severe pain and numbness in his right ankle over medial region of foot for past 5 days. Investigatory findings revealed that he was diagnosed with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome over his right foot. Thereafter, he was treated conservatively with physical therapy interventions such as ankle exercises, stretching techniques, taping, theraband, strengthening etc. The purpose of this case study is to: To study the physiotherapeutic interventions, playing a major role in managing the case of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Conclusion: This case study concludes that physiotherapeutic interventions and exercises plays an important role in managing the signs and symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.