title: Recurrent tarsal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: Recurrence of tarsal tunnel syndrome after surgery may be due to inadequate release, lack of understanding or appreciation of the actual anatomy involved, variations in the anatomy of the nerve(s), failure to execute the release properly, bleeding with subsequent scarring, damage to the nerve and branches, persistent hypersensitivity of the nerves, and preexisting intrinsic damage to the nerve. Approaches include more thorough release, use of barrier materials to decrease adherence of the nerve to surrounding tissues to avoid traction neuritis, excisions of neuromas using conduits, and consideration of nerve stimulators and systemic medications to deal with persistent neural pain.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Section of Foot and Ankle, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), 1313 13th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35243, USA. Electronic address: Gouldjs@aol.com.
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Gould
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D013641:Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries
keywords: Barrier materials; Calcaneal nerves; Chronic heel pain; Lateral plantar nerve; Medial plantar nerve; Tarsal tunnel syndrome; Tibial nerve; Traction neuritis