Anomalous Course of Superficial Peroneal Nerve in Distal Fibular Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to assess the anomalous location and course of the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), which were come across during exposure of distal fibula fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We operated on 238 cases of ankle fractures, and examined the anomalous location and course of SPN around the distal part of the fibula. The study was performed prospectively. RESULTS: The mean length of surgical exposure was 9.8 cm. In 10 (4%) of 238 cases, the nerve was anomalous in its course, which was in parallel with the distal fibula and rapidly curved anteriorly at 3.5 cm proximal to the tip of the fibula. We found 3 cases of injury to the SPN; one was completely transected, the second was partially transected, and the third was stretched over the fracture site, at 2.5 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm proximal to the tip of distal fibula, respectively. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the importance of a detailed neurologic examination, including sensory test for patients with ankle fractures, because of the variation in course of the SPN around the distal fibula.