Predictive factors of effective tibial nerve release in tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Journal and index pages often block iframe embedding. This reader keeps the evidence details in Orthonotes and leaves the source page one click away.

Abstract

[Indexed for MEDLINE] 19. Rev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo). 2026 Apr 17;61(1):s00461819577. doi: 10.1055/s-0046-1819577. eCollection 2026 Feb. Functional Outcomes after Surgical Decompression for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Casares Tamayo MA(1), Casares Castellanos JA(2), Endara Urresta F(3), Peñaherrera Carrillo C(4), Barros Castro A(5). Author information: (1)Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador. (2)Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador. (3)Clínica Arthros, Quito, Ecuador. (4)Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (LGII), Universidad Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico. (5)Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional outcomes of surgical decompression for tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) and to explore the clinical relevance of diagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single-center study of 15 patients with clinically diagnosed TTS who underwent open decompression (2015-2022). All had failed conservative management and completed ≥ 12 months of follow-up. Preoperative evaluation combined clinical exams with at least one confirmatory test (EMG, MRI, or ultrasound). Outcomes included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score (primary), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and complications. The analysis used paired t -tests, Cohen's d, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for baseline AOFAS, age, symptom duration, and EMG results. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.4 ± 15.6 years; and 53.3% of the patients were female. Symptom duration averaged 14.7 ± 7.2 months. The EMG scans were positive in 66.7%, MRI in 60.0%, and ultrasound in 53.3%. The AOFAS score improved from 36.6 ± 7.1 to 78.1 ± 19.9 at 12 months ( p