Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the relationship between the lateral calcaneal nerve(LCN) and the neurogenic painful heel syndrome (NPHS) and provide anatomicalevidence for its study, diagnosis and therapy.  Methods　32 sides formalin-fixed adult lower-limb specimens were used in the study. LCN was dissected to observe its origin,course, branches and distribution.　Results　In all cases, the LCN originated from the sural nerve. They existed in the form of a single principal trunk in 9.38% of cases,double trunks in 28.13%, three trunks in 43.75% and four trunks in 18.75%. They innervated the skin, the fat pad and the periosteum on the lateral calcaneus and the lateral onethird of the plantar calcaneus. 　Conclusions　The LCN can be compressed in the calcaneal tunnel and at the sharp border where the LCN run through the superficial layer of the lateral part of the plantar aponeurosis and the compression, leading to possible occurrence of NPHS.

Key words: Lateral calcaneal nerve, Neurogenic painful heel syndrome, Applied anatomy