A patient with tarsal tunnel syndrome presents with burning pain and paresthesia over the sole and toes. Which structure passes through the tarsal tunnel immediately posterior to the medial malleolus?
- A Common peroneal nerve
- B Posterior tibial nerve ✓
- C Sural nerve
- D Saphenous nerve
Correct answer: B. Posterior tibial nerve
Explanation
The tarsal tunnel is formed by the flexor retinaculum stretching from the medial malleolus to the calcaneus. The posterior tibial nerve and its branches (medial and lateral plantar nerves) pass through this tunnel along with the tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus tendons, and the posterior tibial vessels. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve within this tunnel causes tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.