Foot: tarsal tunnel syndrome: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Foot: tarsal tunnel syndrome

Sample item

A runner has burning pain and numbness of the sole of the foot, worse at night, with Tinel sign positive behind the medial malleolus. Which nerve is compressed?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Posterior tibial nerve

In tarsal tunnel syndrome the posterior tibial nerve is compressed under the flexor retinaculum behind the medial malleolus, causing burning pain and paraesthesia of the sole. Causes include ganglia, varicose veins and a tight retinaculum, and release is performed when conservative care fails.

Option by option

  • A. Deep peroneal nerve

    The deep peroneal nerve supplies the first web space.

  • B. Sural nerve

    The sural nerve supplies the lateral foot.

  • C. Posterior tibial nerve (correct)

    Correct. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve behind the medial malleolus causes this.

  • D. Common peroneal nerve

    The common peroneal nerve supplies the lateral leg and dorsum of the foot.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Posterior tibial nerve. In tarsal tunnel syndrome the posterior tibial nerve is compressed under the flexor retinaculum behind the medial malleolus, causing burning pain and paraesthesia of the sole.

Why is "Deep peroneal nerve" not the answer?

The deep peroneal nerve supplies the first web space.

Why is "Sural nerve" not the answer?

The sural nerve supplies the lateral foot.

Why is "Common peroneal nerve" not the answer?

The common peroneal nerve supplies the lateral leg and dorsum of the foot.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Foot: tarsal tunnel syndrome in Orthopaedics. Causes include ganglia, varicose veins and a tight retinaculum, and release is performed when conservative care fails.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Foot: tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.