Manoli A 2nd, Weber TG, et al.
Foot & ankle. Date of publication 1990 Apr 1;volume 10(5):267-75.
1. Foot Ankle. 1990 Apr;10(5):267-75. doi: 10.1177/107110079001000505.
Fasciotomy of the foot: an anatomical study with special reference to release of
the calcaneal compartment.
Manoli A 2nd(1), Weber TG.
Author information:
(1)Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine,
Detroit, Michigan.
Comment in
Foot Ankle. 1990 Aug;11(1):54-5.
Three patients with calcaneal fractures developed clawing of the lesser toes as
a late sequela. Believing that this complication may be the result of
contractures from an occult compartment syndrome of the foot, an investigation
of the anatomical compartments of the foot was performed. The various
compartments of 17 unembalmed adult lower limb specimens were injected with dyed
gelatin in a controlled fashion. After freezing, the feet were sectioned either
transversely or sagittally. The distribution of the dyed gelatin was then
studied. Nine compartments were identified. These were the (1) medial, (2)
superficial, (3) lateral, (4) adductor, (5-8) four interossei, and (9)
calcaneal. The contents of each compartment was then studied as was the
compartment's location in the foot and its position relative to other
compartments. We identified a new, separate compartment which lies deep to the
superficial compartment in the hindfoot area only. This compartment contains the
quadratus plantae muscle. We have named it the "calcaneal" compartment to
emphasize its hindfoot location. In addition, a communication was demonstrated
between the calcaneal compartment and the deep posterior compartment of the leg
through the retinaculum behind the medial malleolus, following the neurovascular
and tendinous structures. Claw toe deformity following calcaneus fracture
appears to be due to late contracture of the quadratus plantae muscle in the
calcaneal compartment. A surgical technique for release of all of the foot
compartments is described.
DOI: 10.1177/107110079001000505
PMID: 2341098 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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