Journal of Foot and Ankle Research

Calcaneal osteomyelitis presenting with acute tarsal tunnel syndrome: a case report

Calcaneal osteomyelitis presenting with acute tarsal tunnel syndrome: a case report

Davinder PS Baghla , Sajid Shariff and Raman Dega

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2010, 4:66doi:10.1186/1752-1947-4-66 Published: 23 February 2010

Abstract (provisional)

Introduction Acute tarsal tunnel syndrome is rare. We describe the only reported case of acute posterior tibial nerve compression, arising as a result of adjacent haematogenous pyogenic calcaneal osteomyelitis.

Case presentation A previously fit 38-year-old Caucasian lady developed symptoms of acute tarsal tunnel syndrome in her right foot over a 6 day period. There was no antecedent trauma or systemic symptoms. MRI and bone scan imaging, followed by surgical decompression and bone biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Staphylococcus Aureus calcaneal osteomyelitis. Her pain and paraesthesia disappeared post operatively, whereas her inflammatory markers normalised whilst on a 12 week course of antibiotics. At 4 years follow up she remains asymptomatic without recurrence.

Conclusion This case is not just unique in describing osteomyelitis as a cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome, haematogenous calcaneal osteomyelitis in itself is a rare pathology. We recommend considering infection as a differential diagnosis for acute tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Posted by Hylton Menz at 01:29    Comments (0)