High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Anterior Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome in Toddy Tappers of South India: A Case Series of 21 Participants

Abstract

Abstract Background  Anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome (ATTS) is an uncommon entrapment neuropathy which occurs due to the compression of deep peroneal nerve under the inferior extensor retinaculum at the ankle. We observed a frequent occurrence of this syndrome in toddy palm tappers and hence, planned to study the association between the two. Materials and Methods  We studied the prevalence of isolated deep peroneal neuropathy at the ankle among the asymptomatic toddy tappers enrolled over a period of 3 months. Results  In our case series, 81% (17/21) of the study participants had ATTS of which 43% (9/21) had unilateral and 38% (8/21) had bilateral involvement. There was a strong inverse association (p < 0.001) of “duration of toddy tapping in years” with peroneal (extensor digitorum brevis) amplitudes on both the sides. Conclusion  Our study confirms “palm tree climbing” to be an occupational etiology of ATTS.