Ultrasound-guided decompression surgery of the distal tarsal tunnel: a novel technique for the distal tarsal tunnel syndrome—part III

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to provide a safe ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgical approach for a distal tarsal tunnel release concerning nerve entrapments. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was carried out on ten fresh-frozen feet. All of them have been examined by high-resolution ultrasound at the distal tarsal tunnel. The surgical approach has been marked throughout the course of the medial intermuscular septum (MIS, the lateral fascia of the abductor hallucis muscle). After the previous steps, nerve decompression was carried out through a MIS release through a 2.5 mm (± 0.5 mm) surgical portal. As a result, an effective release of the MIS has been obtained in all fresh-frozen feet. CONCLUSION: The results of our anatomic study indicate that this novel ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgical approach for the release of the MIS might be an effective, safe and quick decompression technique treating selected patients with a distal tarsal tunnel syndrome.