Sinus tarsi

Sinus tarsi
A labeled diagram of the foot bones, with the sinus tarsi labeled (upper right; next to Tarsus label)
Synonyms	Talocalcaneal sulcus
Identifiers
TA98	A02.5.11.009
TA2	1476
FMA	35138
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The sinus tarsi, also known as the talocalcaneal sulcus,[1] is a cylindrical canal in the hindfoot. It has a complex anatomy, with five ligamentous structures and a pad of adipose tissue (fat).[2] The tarsal canal opens up into the sinus tarsi,[3] however, the tarsal canal is a distinct structure.

Structure

The sinus tarsi located in the hindfoot, it is contained by the calcaneus, talus, talocalcaneonavicular joint, and the bottom of the subtalar joint.[1] There are five ligamentous structures present inside it: the intermediate, medial, and lateral roots of the inferior extensor retinaculum; the cervical ligament, and the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament. There is also a pad of adipose tissue.[2] The tarsal canal also opens up into the sinus tarsi.[3]

Physiology

The sinus tarsi helps stabilize the ankle, as the cervical ligament limits inversion of the (turning in) and the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament limits eversion (turning out).[2]

Clinical significance

Prior to the discovery of sinus tarsi syndrome, the sinus tarsi was not well studied and was seen as irrelevant.[4]

Sinus tarsi syndrome

Sinus tarsi syndrome is a clinical disorder of pain and tenderness in the sinus tarsi. This disorder can have a variety of causes; however, the most common is an inversion ankle sprain.[5]

Surgery access

In recent years, approaching a displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture via the sinus tarsi during surgery has been found to be more efficient in reconstructing the bone and less invasive, preserving soft tissue around the bone.[6][7]

References

1. Tu, P (January 2018). "Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management". American Family Physician. 97 (2): 86–93. ISSN 1532-0650. PMID 29365222.
2. Arshad, Z; Bhatia, M (August 2021). "Current concepts in sinus tarsi syndrome: A scoping review". Foot and Ankle Surgery. 27 (6): 615–21. doi:10.1016/j.fas.2020.08.013. ISSN 1460-9584. PMID 32978087. S2CID 221937877.
3. Pisani, G; Pisani, PC; Parino, E (January 2005). "Sinus tarsi syndrome and subtalar joint instability". Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 22 (1): 63–77. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2004.08.005. PMID 15555844.
4. Brown, Joseph Edmund M.D. (1960). "The Sinus Tarsi Syndrome". Clinical Orthopaedics. 18: 231–233.
5. Bouché, Richard. "Sinus Tarsi Syndrome". American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
6. Khazen, G; Rassi, CK (December 2020). "Sinus Tarsi Approach for Calcaneal Fractures". Foot and Ankle Clinics. 25 (4): 667–81. doi:10.1016/j.fcl.2020.08.003. PMID 33543722. S2CID 225001642.
7. Weinraub, GM; David, MS (April 2019). "Sinus Tarsi Approach with Subcutaneously Delivered Plate Fixation for Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures". Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 36 (2): 225–31. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2018.10.005. PMID 30784533. S2CID 73496271.