Presentation
A qualitative and quantitative description of the medial plantar nerve: A pilot study
31st Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists
(2014)
Abstract
The medial plantar nerve (MPN) can become entrapped or compressed along its course in the foot leading to Jogger's Foot. Current literature detailing the course of the MPN as it relates to Jogger's Foot is inadequate. The purpose of this study was to determine a precise course of the MPN including distinct branches and entrapment sites as a prelude to studying its relation to Jogger's Foot. Fourteen embalmed cadavers 7 male, 7 female, avg age 72 years from the Mercer University anatomy laboratory were dissected using standard and fine dissection techniques. Skin and subcutaneous tissue from the medial compartment of the leg and the medial and plantar surfaces of the foot was removed. The tibial nerve was exposed proximal to the tibial nerve's bifurcation into medial and lateral plantar nerves (LPN). The following measurements were taken: distance from the distal aspect of the medial malleolus to the main bifurcation into MPN and LPN, length of MPN from the main split to the next split, and the length of each branch of the MPN. Means and standard deviations (SD) from the measurements were calculated in cm. Medial malleolus to MPN and LPN main bifurcation: Mean 1.57 above malleolus, SD 1.083. Length of MPN from main split to first MPN split: Mean 6.97, SD 2.471. Length from MB to second split: Mean 10.94, SD2.073. Length from MB to third split: Mean 12.24, SD 2,106. Length from MB to fourth split: Mean 13.58, SD 2.282. Potential entrapment sites observed were at the abductor hallucis muscle and the intersection of the flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus tendons. The findings in this study detail a precise course of the MPN and its branches. The observations draw attention to potential entrapment sites. Using this information, further research can be conducted pertaining to the MPN's relationship to diagnosis and treatment of Jogger's Foot.
Disciplines
Publication Date
July, 2014
Location
Orlando, FL
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.22474
Citation Information
D Tari, N C Busch, N L Lucherini, C Gouveia, et al.. "A qualitative and quantitative description of the medial plantar nerve: A pilot study" 31st Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (2014) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/philip-fabrizio/20/