Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2012, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (5): 491-493.

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Medial calcaneal nerve and neurogenic painful heel syndrome:anatomic basis

FENG Cheng-an, SUN Jun, LIU Zong-liang, FAN Wei, ZHANG Dong-kui, YE Pin   

  1. Department of Anatomy,Kunming Medical University, Kunming  650500,China
  • Received:2012-04-02 Online:2012-09-25 Published:2012-09-29

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the relationship between the medial calcaneal nerve (MCN) and neurogenic painful heel syndrome (NPHS), and provide anatomical evidence for study, diagnosis and therapy. Methods 32 formalin-fixed adult lower limb specimens were used in the study. MCN was dissected for demonstrating the origin, course, branches and the distribution.   Results 41.42% of MCN originated from the trunk of tibial nerve, however, 28.57% originated from the bifurcation site of tibial nerve, 18.57% from the medial plantar nerve, and 11.42% from the lateral plantar nerve. The distance from the origin of MCN to the middle point between the lowest margin of the medial malleolus and the medial process of calcaneal tuberosity was about (30.22±15.34)mm. MCN distributed to medial heel, the skin of footplate, and soft tissue of heel, after passing through flexor retinaculum. Conclusions MCN maybe compressed in the ankle canal, or the calcaneal tunnel, or at the site of passing from the flexor retinaculum, which are probably related to the occurrence of the plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

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

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