Can Tarsal Tunnel Decompression Treat Digital Contractures?

A case study poster presented at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference showed tarsal tunnel decompression led to improvement in clinical signs and intrinsic muscular balance.¹
 
The patient in the case study had struck the left foot on a piece of furniture and 3 weeks later was experiencing constant, semi-flexible plantar and adducted contractures in the lesser digit, according to the poster. The authors note the contractures progressed, became painful, and affected the patient’s ambulation.
 
The poster notes the patient underwent decompression of the left tarsal tunnel and the medial and lateral plantar nerves, which provided immediate improvement. On follow-up, the toes remained anatomically aligned and were not painful, and the poster says the patient experienced no complications or recurrence at 15-month follow-up.
 
Reference
 
1. Trovillion VA, Miller M. Digital contractures following blunt force injury treated with tarsal tunnel decompression: a case report. Presented at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, Los Angeles, Feb. 9–12, 2023.