Traumatic common peroneal nerve palsy: a retrospective study.

A retrospective analysis of 26 consecutive cases of traumatic common peroneal nerve palsy seen during a four-year period in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York Medical College was carried out. Fifteen were complete lesions, nine were incomplete lesions, and there were two cases of neurapraxia. Among the factors studied were etiology, age, sex, associated injuries, electrodiagnostic findings, and prognosis for recovery. The ultimate functional status of the patients was evaluated up to three years following injury. Of the patients, 19.2% recovered fully, and 26.9% showed partial recovery. The maximum time of recovery was achieved in 15.5 months in complete lesions and 9.5 months in incomplete lesions. The relationship of peronneal nerve injury to fractures of the femur is emphasized. The indications for medical, surgical and rehabilitative management are discussed.