Microsurgical decompression of the peroneal nerve in treatment of fibular tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Fibular tunnel syndrome (FTS) is the most common neuropathy of the lower extremity. Compression of the peroneal nerve leads to movement and sensory disorders, which is manifested by weakness of the muscles that normally provide dorsiflexion of the foot and toes, gait disturbance and loss of sensitivity. Our study involved 30 patients with symptoms of FTS. All underwent microsurgical two-level decompression of the peroneal nerve. In the postoperative period, the results of the operation were assessed by changes in sensory and motor neurological deficits according to the British Medical Research Council Scale (BMRCS). It has been proven that the peroneal nerve decompression technique is an effective way to treat primary and secondary FTS. In this case, the restoration of sensitive fibers occurs earlier than motor ones. Taking into account the similarity of clinical manifestations with proximal lesions and the structural features of the canal, it is necessary to develop a clinic-diagnostic algorithm to determine the therapeutic tactics and the volume of surgical intervention.