Endoscopic Decompression of the Tarsal Tunnel

The management of tarsal tunnel syndrome: A scoping review

Background

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, also known as posterior tibial neuralgia, is a compressive neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve or one of its divisions (calcaneal, lateral plantar or medial plantar nerve) within the tarsal tunnel. This scoping review aims to systematically map and summarise current literature regarding the management of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Medline and Cinahl were searched using the terms 'tarsal tunnel', 'syndrome', 'entrapment', 'compression', 'posterior tibial', 'neuropathy' and 'neuralgia. Two stage title abstract screening was performed. Observational studies reporting the outcome of treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome were included.

Results

A total of 32 studies were included in the review. Excellent or good results are seen in 75.3 % of cases, with the remainder (24.7 %) achieving fair or poor outcomes. Factors which may influence outcome include patient age, symptom duration, aetiology, co-morbidities, pre-treatment symptom severity and nerve fibrosis.

Conclusions

Although favourable outcomes are seen in the majority of cases, poor results are not uncommon. A range of prognostic factors are identified; however, firm conclusions cannot be drawn from the findings of individual low-quality studies. Further research in identifying prognostic factors may aid in clinical decision making and management of patient expectations.

Level of evidence

Level IV Scoping review.

Outcomes and safety of endoscopic tarsal tunnel decompression: a systematic review

Open surgical decompression of the tarsal tunnel is the standard surgical approach for compression of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. Complications associated with this approach can be significant and periods of non-weight bearing are required. An alternative approach allowing for minimal soft tissue trauma and reduced time to ambulation is therefore desirable. Endoscopic tarsal tunnel decompression may provide such an alternative. The authors performed a systematic review of electronic databases and other relevant sources to identify material regarding the safety of endoscopic tarsal tunnel decompression. Only articles that included clear information concerning the safety of endoscopic tarsal tunnel decompression with a follow-up of at least 12 months were included. Three studies were identified involving 37 feet, with a weighted mean follow-up of 27 months. There were no permanent complications relating to iatrogenic nerve injury, deep infection, or prolonged wound healing problems documented despite initiating ambulation within one week of surgery. Two patients (5.6%) developed recurrence more than 2 years postoperative and one (2.7%) showed no improvement. Endoscopic tarsal tunnel decompression is a safe procedure with a low rate of recurrence or failure and allows for near-immediate ambulation. However, additional prospective investigations comparing open and endoscopic approaches to tarsal tunnel decompression are warranted.