2007 OITE Question 150

Question

Plantar heel pain may be associated with a compression neuropathy of the

1- first branch of the lateral plantar nerve.

2- first branch of the medial plantar nerve.

3- deep branch of the peroneal nerve.

4- fibular branch of the tibial nerve.

5- sural nerve.

Figures

Answer (click for answer)

The correct answer is 1 – first branch of the lateral plantar nerve.

This is an anatomy question. The source of plantar heel pain is a somewhat common question. While there are many causes – plantar fasciitis, calcaneal stress fracture, subcalcaneal bursitis – nerve entrapment is from entrapment of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter’s nerve). It is a branch of the posterior tibial nerve. The posterior tibia nerve has three terminal branches the medial calcaneal branch, the lateral plantar nerve and the medial plantar nerve. Patients who have failed all forms of conservative treatment should be considered to have nerve entrapment of Baxter’s nerve. Treatment is surgical release.

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