PERONEAL PALSY

JUMRAINI TAMMASSE

Definition
Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is

damage to the peroneal nerve leading to loss

of movement or sensation in the foot and leg.
Alternative Names
Neuropathy - common peroneal nerve;
Peroneal nerve injury;
Peroneal nerve palsy

Causes, Incidence, And Risk

Factors
The peroneal nerve is a branch of the

sciatic nerve, which supplies

movement and sensation to the lower
leg, foot and toes.
Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is
a type of peripheral neuropathy
(damage to nerves outside the brain or
spinal cord).
This condition can affect people of any
age.

Causes
Common causes of damage to the

peroneal nerve include the following:

Trauma or injury to the knee

Fracture of the fibula (a bone of the lower leg)
Use of a tight plaster cast (or other long-term

constriction) of the lower leg

Habitual leg crossing
Regularly wearing high boots
Pressure to the knee from positions during
deep sleep or coma

CAUSES cont.
Injury during knee surgery.
diabetic neuropathy or

polyarteritis nodosa,
as well as exposure to certain toxins, can
also cause damage to the common
peroneal nerve.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an
inherited disorder that affects all nerves,
with peroneal nerve dysfunction apparent
early in the disorder.

Symptoms
Decreased sensation,
numbness or tingling in the top of the foot

or the outer part of the upper or lower leg

Weakness of the ankles or feet
Walking abnormalities
"Slapping" gait (walking pattern in which
each step taken makes a slapping noise)
Foot drop (unable to hold foot horizontal)
Toes drag while walking

Tests
Examination of the legs may show a loss of muscle

control over the legs (usually the lower legs) and feet.
The foot or leg muscles may atrophy (lose mass).
There is difficulty with dorsiflexion (lifting up the foot
and toes) and with eversion (toe-out movements).
Muscle biopsy or a nerve biopsy may confirm the
disorder, but they are rarely necessary.
Tests of nerve activity include:
EMG (electromyography, a test of electrical activity in
muscles)
Nerve conduction tests
MRI to look for compressive lesion along nerve
Other tests are determined by the suspected cause of
the nerve dysfunction, based on the person's history,
symptoms, and pattern of symptom development. They
may include various blood tests, x-rays, scans, or other
tests and procedures.

Treatment
Treatment is aimed at maximizing mobility and

independence.
inflammation that is causing the neuropathy
should be treated.
If there is no history of trauma to the area,
the condition developed suddenly with minimal

sensation changes and no difficulty in movement,

and there is no test evidence of nerve axon
degeneration,
then a conservative treatment plan will probably be
recommended.

Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce

swelling and pressure on the nerve in some cases.

Surgery may be required if the disorder is
persistent or symptoms are worsening,
Physical therapy exercises may be appropriate for
some people to maintain muscle strength

Expectations (Prognosis)
The outcome depends on the underlying

cause.
Successful treatment of the underlying
cause may resolve the dysfunction,
although it may take several months for
the nerve to grow back.
If nerve damage is severe, disability may
be permanent.
Complications
Decreased ability to walk
Permanent decrease in sensation in the
legs or feet
Permanent weakness or paralysis in the

Complications
Decreased ability to walk
Permanent decrease in sensation in
the legs or feet
Permanent weakness or paralysis in
the legs or feet
Side effects of medication

 Thank you