peroneal neuropathy; fibular neuropathy; lateral popliteal neuropathy

Etiology: 1) entrapment of the peroneal nerve laterally at the head of the fibula 2) predisposing factors a) habitual leg crossing b) frequent squatting c) weight loss d) leg casts e) poor positioning during anesthesia f) blunt injury (swelling of anterior tibial muscle) g) fibular fractures Clinical manifestations: 1) paresthesias 2) sensory abnormalities on the lateral aspect of the leg 3) foot drop 4) weakness of ankle & toe dorsiflexion 5) steppage or slapping gait Laboratory: 1) nerve conduction study 2) electromyography Differential diagnosis: 1) L5 radiculopathy 2) lumbosacral plexopathy 3) sciatic neuropathy 4) stroke as cause of footdrop Management: 1) avoid activities that can compress the nerve - avoid crossing legs 2) ankle-foot orthosis 3) surgical exploration of peroneal nerve or fibular head 4) prognosis is good; recovery days to months

General

entrapment neuropathy; nerve entrapment syndrome; pinched nerve mononeuropathy

References

Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 1016-18