The flexor retinaculum (laciniate ligament) forms the roof of the tarsal tunnel, converting the medial ankle sulcus into a tunnel transmitting the tibialis posterior, FDL, FHL tendons, and the posterior tibial nerve and artery from the medial leg to the plantar foot. The contents are arranged from anterior to posterior: Tom Dick And Very Nervous Harriet (Tibialis posterior, FDL, tibial Artery, Vein, Nerve, FHL). Tarsal tunnel syndrome from retinacular compression produces burning plantar foot pain.
| Location | Medial ankle, between the medial malleolus and the heel |
|---|---|
| Boundaries |
|
| Contents |
|
Holds the deep posterior compartment tendons and the tibial nerve and vessels against the medial ankle; compression of the tibial nerve beneath it causes tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome from tibial nerve compression under the flexor retinaculum produces Tinel's sign over the medial ankle and burning plantar pain. Electrodiagnostic studies confirm slowed sensory nerve conduction velocity of the medial and lateral plantar branches. Surgical tarsal tunnel release with complete division of the retinaculum and individual compartment decompression resolves 85% of confirmed cases.
Tibial nerve compression under the flexor retinaculum producing burning plantar foot pain confirmed by Tinel's sign and nerve conduction study managed with surgical decompression.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
