Trifurcation of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel

Surg Radiol Anat. 2018 May;40(5):529-532. doi: 10.1007/s00276-017-1948-2. Epub 2017 Nov 24.

Abstract

The tibial nerve is the larger terminal branch of the sciatic nerve and it terminates in the tarsal tunnel by giving lateral and medial plantar nerves. We present a rare case of trifurcation of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. The variant nerve curves laterally after branching from the tibial nerve and courses deep to quadratus plantae muscle. Interestingly, posterior tibial artery was also terminating by giving three branches. These branches were accompanying the terminal branches of the tibial nerve.

Keywords: Lateral plantar nerve; Medial plantar nerve; Posterior tibial artery; Tibial nerve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anatomic Variation
  • Cadaver
  • Dissection
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tibial Nerve / anatomy & histology*