Neurovascular compression of the common peroneal nerve by varicose veins.

Compression of the common peroneal nerve occurs sometimes, but compression caused by varicose veins has not been reported before. We report a case of common peroneal nerve compression syndrome which was confirmed and treated surgically. A 63-year-old woman complained of paraesthesia on the lateral aspect of the right leg, which was worse in the evening. A primary varicose vein arising from non-saphenous tributaries was seen in the posterior calf. Her symptoms resolved with the wearing of compression hosiery for 2 weeks. At operation, the common peroneal nerve was found to be surrounded by tortuous varicosities. After decompression the paraesthesia on the lateral aspect of the right leg resolved completely with no evidence of residual neuralgia.