Dynamic neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve at the level of the fibular head (literature review and case report)

Abstract

The study objective is to report a case of dynamic neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve at the level of the fibular head and to discuss diagnostic methods and neurosurgical treatment. Materials and methods. We report a case of dynamic neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve at the level of the fibular head in a female patient. The patient was treated in the Neurology Clinic of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. We analyzed clinical manifestations and compared them with the data described in research literature. Results. Upon admission, the patient complained of pain in the anterolateral surface of the right shin and in the dorsum of the foot during walking. At rest, the patient experienced no pain. We observed no motor or sensory disorders typical of nerve root disorders at the level of L5. Lasegue’s test was negative. The patient had a positive Tinel’s sign in the area of the right fibular head. In order to clarify the diagnosis, we performed a repeated extension test in the right ankle joint and it was positive. The patient underwent surgery that included peroneal nerve decompression and neurolysis at the level of the fibular head. In the postoperative period, the patient had complete pain relief. Conclusion. Due to the difficulties in the diagnostics of dynamic neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve, this disease is often mistaken for radiculopathy at the level of L5. Thorough clinical examination, testing for Tinel’s sign in the area of the fibular head, and repeated extension test in the ankle joint ensure the correct diagnosis and reduce the frequency of ineffective surgeries on the lumbar spine. Surgical decompression of the common peroneal nerve at the level of the fibular head with obligatory opening of the entrance to the nerve canal is an effective method of treatment in such patients.