peroneal neuropathy; fibular neuropathy; lateral popliteal neuropathy

Etiology

• entrapment of the peroneal nerve laterally at the head of the fibula
• predisposing factors
  • habitual leg crossing
  • frequent squatting
  • weight loss
  • leg casts
  • poor positioning during anesthesia
  • blunt injury (swelling of anterior tibial muscle)
  • fibular fractures

Clinical manifestations

• paresthesias
• sensory abnormalities on the lateral aspect of the leg
• foot drop
• weakness of ankle & toe dorsiflexion
• steppage or slapping gait

Laboratory

• nerve conduction study
• electromyography

Differential diagnosis

• L5 radiculopathy
• lumbosacral plexopathy
• sciatic neuropathy
• stroke as cause of footdrop

Management

• avoid activities that can compress the nerve
  • avoid crossing legs
• ankle-foot orthosis
• surgical exploration of peroneal nerve or fibular head
• prognosis is good; recovery days to months

More general terms

• entrapment neuropathy; nerve entrapment syndrome; pinched nerve
• mononeuropathy

Additional terms

• paresthesia; burning; tingling