Decompression for peroneal nerve entrapment.

I reviewed 24 patients after decompression for peroneal entrapment neuropathy; in 3 cases the lesion was bilateral. There were 15 males and 9 females; mean age 44 (12-72) years. The etiology was an operation around the knee in 12, a tibial fracture in 2, a slight compression in 1, an ankle sprain in 2, excessive climbing in 2, sitting in a cross-legged position in 4, and in 4 cases no reason was found. There was foot drop in 15 and ankle instability in 12 cases. The nerve was decompressed after an average period of 17 months (4 days-8 years). Immediate relief of symptoms was achieved in 14 cases, slower relief in 10, and in 3 cases there was no recovery. In peroneal neuropathy, decompression should be considered after 2 months without recovery and after 4 months when recovery is slow.