UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Category: Orthopedics

Keywords: Sinus tarsi syndrome (PubMed Search)

Posted: 10/15/2011 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 9/24/2013)
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Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

A painful syndrome of the ankle normally due to an inversion injury. Results in pain along the lateral side of the ankle.
Often misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain.
Will have pain localized to the sinus tarsi (inferior and anterior to the anterior border of the lateral malleolus.
Can be diagnosed by injecting lidocaine into the sinus tarsi, which should completely relieve the pain.
Treatment consists of
- NSAIDs
- Ankle immobilization
- Physical therapy
- Oral or injected steroids in resistant cases