2. ANATOMY
Common peroneal nerve is also known as lateral popliteal
nerve
Root value – L4,L5,S1,S2
The common peroneal nerve is the smaller and terminal
branch of the sciatic nerve which is composed of the
posterior divisions of Lumbosacral plexus.
MOTOR SUPPLY
DEEP PERONEAL NERVE
Tibialis anterior
Extensor halluces longus
Extensor digitorum
Extensor digitorum brevis
Peroneus tertius
SUPERFICIAL PERONEAL NERVE
Peroneus longus
Peroneus brevis
Sensory
supply
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 2
3. CAUSES
Compression of the nerve by tight plaster or a splint
Fracture of the neck of the fibula
Fracture dislocation of the head of fibula
Hansen’s disease or leprosy
Trauma to the knee including rupture of the fibular
collateral ligament
Entrapped, compressed or irritated nerve by fibrous
arch as it winds around the neck of fibula
Prolonged immobilization during which the leg lies in
external rotation.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 3
4. SIGN & SYMPTOMS
Sensory
Common peroneal nerve by itself is relatively short having only two
sensory branches and no motor branches. The loss of sensation is as
follows:
a. Skin along the lateral aspect of the knee in the proximal third of the
calf (lateral cutaneous sural nerve).
b. Skin over the posterolateral aspect of the calf and over the lateral
malleolus, lateral aspect of the foot and fourth and fifth toes (Sural
nerve).
Common peroneal nerve divides into deep and superficial peroneal
nerve.
Deep peroneal nerve palsy leads to loss of sensation over the
following areas:
a. Web space between the great and the second toe.
b. Lateral aspect of the dorsum of the great toe.
c. Medial aspect of the dorsum of the second toe.
Superficial peroneal nerve palsy leads to loss of sensation over the
following areas:
a. Anterior and lateral aspect of the leg
b. Dorsum of the foot and toes except a small wedge shape area in the
web space between the great and the second toe.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 4
5. Motor
Deep peroneal nerve palsy leads to paralysis of
tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus,
extensor digitorum longus, extensor digitorum
brevis and peroneus tertius.
Superficial peroneal palsy leads to paralysis of
the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis
Reflex
Ankle jerks diminishes
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 5
6. Deformity
Equino varus deformity (Foot drop) results due
to over action of the posterior compartment
muscles and the invertors.
Gait
High Steppage gait / foot drop gait
Muscle wasting
Present over dorsiflexors of leg
ROM
AROM Loss of dorsiflexion, eversion, extension
of toes
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 6
7. FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY
Pt is dependent for functional activities
such as walking, squatting, dressing,
transfers, toilet activities
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 7
8. INVESTIGATIONS
RADIOGRAPH :- shows whether there is presence of fracture
MRI :- To delineate complete avulsion of nerve roots
SD CURVE:- abnormality in conduction can be verified.
Sharp curve, long chronaxie, low rheobase and the absence
of contraction with repetitive stimuli indicates
denervation. If it is done 2-3 weeks after injury, it shows
the sign of denervation and to find out whether it is
moderate or severe injury
NCV:- To find out the severance of nerve fibers with
wallerian degeneration.
EMG:- it will help to find out reversible and irreversible
nerve damage and will help map out whether it pre
ganglionic/ post ganglionic lesion
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 8
9. TYPES OF INJURY
In Neuropraxia pain, numbness, muscle weakness,
minimal muscle wasting is present. Recovery occurs
within minutes to days
In Axonotmesis there is pain, evident muscle wasting,
complete loss of motor, sensory and sympathetic
functions. Recovery time– months (axon regeneration at
1-1.5 mm/day)
In Neurotmesis no pain, complete loss of motor,
sensory and sympathetic functions. Recovery time –
months and only with surgery
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 9
10. SPECIAL TEST
Tinnel’s sign - Tinel's sign is a reliable clinical sign to
localise area of nerve irritation or entrapment - Tapping
along the course of the nerve (particularly around the
fibular neck) causing shooting pain and tingling into the
foot
SLR test
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 10
11. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
tendon transfer wherein the Tibialis posterior is used to
substitute for the lost muscles.
The tibialis posterior transfer may be done in two ways:
• Circumtibial route: The tibialis posterior is detached
from its insertion circles around tibia and is divided into
two clips—onegoing to tibialis anterior and extensor
hallucies longus whereas the other go to extensor
digitorum longus. This procedure is more commonly
done but adhesions are likely to occur which are treated
with US, laser and kneading technique
Interosseous route: Insertions are the same as above but
the transfer is done by piercing the interosseus
membrance.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 11
13. PREVENTION
• Total period of immobilization is six weeks. For the
first three weeks the knee is in flexion and the ankle is
in full dorsiflexion.
In the next three weeks the knee is kept free but the
ankle is still maintained in full dorsiflexion. This method
gives a better range of dorsiflexion.
• The ankle is immobilized in full dorsiflexion for a
period of six weeks.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 13
14. PHYSIOTHERAPY
MANAGEMENT
Conservative treatment consists of the
following:
IG stimulation of the paralyzed muscles
Passive movements to maintain the joint
range
Stretching of the Tendoachilles
Non Weight bearing and weight bearing
exe
Splints or Orthosis: The commonly used
orthosis aims to maintain the ankle in
neutral position preventing equinous
hence either a caliper with dorsiflexion
stop or plastic ankle foot orthosis in the
form of shoe insert may be prescribed.
P/B :- DR NIYATI PATEL 14