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AN ANATOMICAL STUDY ON THE INFERIOR CALCANEAL NERVE IN VIETNAMESE ADULTS
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Abstract
Objective: To determine the morphological characteristics, branching patterns, and anatomical localization of the inferior calcaneal nerve (ICN) in adult Vietnamese cadavers for surgical and diagnostic applications. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 formalin-fixed adult feet. Dissection was performed in the tarsal tunnel region to identify the ICN’s origin, course, branching pattern, and topographic coordinates. Measurements were taken with a digital caliper and analyzed using Stata 18.0. Results: The ICN was present in all specimens (100%), consistently originating from the lateral plantar nerve, with a mean diameter of 2.61 ± 0.89 mm and length of 43.78 ± 4.72 mm. A single-branch pattern predominated (80%), with no significant side difference (p = 1.000). The nerve consistently lay above the long plantar ligament and posterior to the lateral plantar artery, averaging 47.87 ± 3.06 mm from the heel skin and 32.50 ± 10.20 mm from the medial malleolus. Conclusion: The inferior calcaneal nerve in Vietnamese adults demonstrates stable morphology, symmetric bilateral distribution, and consistent topography comparable to international data, providing valuable anatomical references for surgery, ultrasound guidance, and the management of chronic heel pain due to Baxter’s neuropathy.
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Keywords
Inferior calcaneal nerve, Baxter’s nerve, plantar anatomy, heel pain.
References
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