Retromalleolar regions (medial + lateral)
Medial Malleolus[edit | edit source]
Canalis Malleolaris (Behind malleolus)[edit | edit source]
Passage behind medial malleolus is also known as canalis malleolaris (tarsal canal). It is margined by medial malleolus (ventral), flexor retinaclulum (medial) and tuber of the calceneus (dorsal).
The mnemonic TI DI VA NE H or "Tom, Dick and Very Nervous Harry" shows the content and position of the canal in Ventrodorsal order:
Tendon of m. tibialis posterior in its tendinous sheath;
Tendon of m. flexor digitorum longus also in its sheath;
Posterior tibial veins (2) and artery (1), in Vein, Artery, Vein format
Tibial nerve
Tendon of m. flexor hallucis longus in its sheath
All the structures are covered by flexor retinaculum and lean on medial malleolus. Exception is tendon of m. flexor hallucis longus, which is from all structures the most dorsal and runs in groove in posterior process of talus (groove for tendon of flexor hallucis longus on the talus).
Structures in front of medial malleolus[edit | edit source]
Passage in front of the medial malleolus is margined by superior and inferior extensor retinaculum (ventral).
The content is easier remembered by SAMA N TA:
Vena saphena magna (great saphenous vein)
Saphenous nerve
Tendon of m. tibialis anterior in its tendinous sheath.
Veins and nerve run superficially - over superior and inferior extensor retinaculum. Tendons run deeper to the retinaculum.
Lateral Malleolus[edit | edit source]
Passage behind the lateral malleolus (ventral) is margined by superior and inferior fibular retinaculum (lateral) and tuber calcanei (dorsal).
Structures which run in this topographical region can be remembered by mnemonic SAPA SU FI:
Vena saphena parva (small saphenous vein)
Sural nerve
Tendon of m. fibularis longus et brevis
Similar as in structures in front of medial malleolus, veins with the nerve run superficially (over retinaculum), and insertion tendon of muscles run deeper to the retinaculum
