Unrecognized tibial nerve injury in total-ankle arthroplasty: Two case reports

RATIONALE: Tibial nerve injury is a sustainable but rare complication during total-ankle arthroplasty (TAA). We outlined 2 previously unreported cases of tibial nerve injury in TAA, including the prognoses and possible causes. PATIENT CONCERNS: First, a 63-year-old woman complained of a 5-month history of persistent tingling sensation and numbness on the medial and plantar aspects of her foot after TAA. Second, a 50-year-old woman complained of a 6-month history of tingling sensation and numbness on the plantar surface of her forefoot after TAA. DIAGNOSIS: Explorations were performed on suspicion of tarsal tunnel syndrome; however, both patients exhibited complete laceration of tibial nerve with neuroma formation. INTERVENTIONS: In both patients, we excised the neuroma and performed end-to-end nerve repair. OUTCOMES: The sensory disturbance of the sole considerably improved at long-term follow-up over 8 years after the neurorrhaphy procedures. LESSONS: Tibial nerve injury is rare following TAA, and is sometimes unrecognized or misdiagnosed. If tibial nerve injury is suspected, prompt surgical exploration should be performed; great precaution must also be taken to prevent injury of the tibial nerve during TAA.