Localization of the sural nerve in relationship to calcaneal (Achilles) tendon repair

Abstract

The sural nerve is a major cutaneous nerve of the lower limb that supplies the posterolateral leg and the lateral margin of the foot. It is at risk of iatrogenic injury even during minimally‐invasive surgical procedures to repair the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon. This cadaveric study investigated the point at which the sural nerve crossed the lateral boundary of the Achilles tendon to enable clinicians to identify the location of the sural nerve within 90% and 95% confidence intervals. In most cases, the sural nerve crossed the lateral border of the Achilles tendon 8‐10 cm along the vertical length of the tendon. Based upon the results of 107 leg dissections, surgeons can approximate the location of the sural nerve with confidence and minimize the damage to this important cutaneous nerve.Grant Funding SourceAAA Student/Postdoctoral Travel Award