TARSAL TUNNEL

Question 1

the tarsal tunnel is an anatomic area at what aspect of the ankle?

Answer 1

posteromedial aspect of the ankle

Question 2

extends from where to where?

Answer 2

from the proximal edge of the flexor retinaculum

to

distal edge of the porta pedis

Question 3

what kind of space is the tarsal tunnel?

Answer 3

osseofibrous space

Question 4

what is the distal part? what does it occupy?

Answer 4

porta pedis

area between the medial surface of the calcaneus and the abductor hallucis muscle belly (posteromedial area of the foot)

Question 5

medial/superficial border

Answer 5

• the laciniate ligament / flexor retinaculum, proximal - the abductor hallucis muscle belly, distal

Question 6

lateral/deep border

Answer 6

• the posterior talotibial ligaments, proximal
• the calcaneotibial ligament with the ankle joint capsule, superior and distal
• the medial surface of the calcaneus, inferior and distal

Question 7

anterior border

Answer 7

• the medial malleolus
• the posterior process of talus
• the sustentaculum tali

Question 8

posterior border

Answer 8

• the laciniate ligament

- the abductor hallucis muscle belly

Question 9

what are the five main components of the tarsal tunnel?

Answer 9

Tibialis posterior tendon
flexor hallucis longus tendon
flexor digitorum longus tendon
tibial n
-medial calcaneal n
posterior tibial a
-medial calcaneal a

Question 10

list the components from anterior to posterior?

Answer 10

tibialis posterior tendon
flexor digitorum longus tendon
posterior tibial a.
-medial calcaneal artery
tibial n
-medial calcaneal nerve
-flexor hallucis longus tendon

Question 11

name this structure:

passes along the posteromedial edge of
the medial malleolus

Answer 11

Tibialis Posterior Tendon

Question 12

name this structure:

passes along the medial surface of
the sustentaculum tali

Answer 12

Flexor Digitorum Longus Tendon

Question 13

name this structure:

becomes the medial and
lateral plantar arteries (i.e. terminal branches) within the distal tarsal tunnel,
usually near the porta pedis.

Answer 13

Posterior Tibial Artery and its venae comitantes

Question 14

name this structure:

• arise within the tarsal tunnel
• normally exit by piercing the flexor retinaculum
• may also continue through the tarsal tunnel

Answer 14

Medial Calcaneal Arteries & venae comitantes

Question 15

name this structure:

becomes the medial and lateral plantar nerves within the tarsal tunnel, usually at the proximal end

Answer 15

Tibial Nerve

Question 16

name this structure:

• arises within the tarsal tunnel
• exits by piercing the flexor retinaculum

Answer 16

Medial Calcaneal Nerve

Question 17

name this structure:

passes along the inferior aspect of the sustentaculum tali

Answer 17

Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon

Question 18

name this variation in the form of a muscle found here:

• occasionally present (7%) and may cause tibial nerve entrapment
• passes through the tarsal tunnel with the tibial nerve

Answer 18

Flexor Digitorum Accessorius Longus Muscle