common peroneal nerve lesion

A common peroneal nerve lesion, also known as a peroneal nerve injury or dysfunction, is a condition where the common peroneal nerve is damaged, leading to loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg.

Symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling sensations on the front and sides of the legs and top of the feet
• Weakness when lifting the toes or ankles
• Foot drop, a condition where the foot cannot be lifted off the ground due to weakness of the muscles controlling dorsiflexion (lifting) of the ankle
• Pain or discomfort in the affected area

Causes:

• Trauma or injury to the nerve, such as a fall or direct blow to the leg
• Compression or pressure on the nerve, which can occur from various factors like tight clothing, casts, or medical devices
• Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that can cause inflammation and damage to the nerve
• Thin body habitus, which may increase the risk of nerve compression

Common sites of involvement:

• The deep branch of the peroneal nerve is often responsible for the loss of action in cases of peroneal nerve injury.
• The common peroneal nerve can be damaged at either the spine (lumbar nerve roots) or at the knee.

The common peroneal nerve plays a crucial role in controlling movement and sensation in the lower leg, foot, and toes. A lesion or injury to this nerve can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities and may require medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

• [1] The common peroneal nerve helps you feel sensations in the front and sides of your legs. It also allows you to lift your toes and ankles.
• [3] Foot drop may occur if there is dysfunction of the nerve supply controlling dorsiflexion of ankle.
• [5] Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is due to damage to the peroneal nerve leading to loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg.
• [6] Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is due to damage to the peroneal nerve leading to loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg.
• [12] The common peroneal nerve (CPN) supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Peroneal Nerve Lesion

The peroneal nerve, also known as the common peroneal nerve, is a branch of the sciatic nerve that supplies the muscles and skin of the lower leg. A lesion or injury to this nerve can cause various signs and symptoms, which are essential to recognize for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Key Symptoms:

• Decreased sensation: Numbness or tingling sensations in the top of the foot or the outer part of the upper or lower leg [1][2]
• Foot drop: A condition where the foot drops due to weakness or paralysis of the ankle and foot extensors [3][4][6]
• Weakness: Weakness in foot eversion, which is the movement of the foot outward, may occur if the superficial peroneal component is involved [5]
• Pain: Pain or discomfort in the affected area can also be a symptom of peroneal nerve lesion [2]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Tingling sensations: Pins-and-needles sensations or tingling feelings in the affected area
• Numbness: Numbness or loss of sensation in the top of the foot or the outer part of the upper or lower leg
• Weakness when raising toes: Weakness or difficulty lifting the toes, which can be a symptom of deep peroneal nerve involvement [8]

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.

To diagnose a common peroneal nerve lesion, several tests can be used to confirm the compression or damage of the nerve.

• Physical examination: A thorough physical exam by a doctor is typically the first step in diagnosing a peroneal nerve injury. This may include checking for weakness or paralysis of the muscles innervated by the peroneal nerve, as well as assessing sensation and reflexes in the affected area [1][3].
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT scans can be used to visualize the compression of the nerve and identify any underlying causes, such as a tumor or cyst [2][4]. These tests are particularly useful in visualizing soft tissue lesions that may be compressing the nerve.
• Electromyography (EMG): EMG is a test that measures the electrical activity of muscles to determine if they are functioning normally. This can help confirm the diagnosis of a peroneal nerve injury [5].
• Nerve conduction studies: Nerve conduction studies, also known as NCVs, measure the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through nerves. These tests can help identify any damage or compression of the peroneal nerve [6][7].

These diagnostic tests can help confirm a diagnosis of a common peroneal nerve lesion and guide treatment decisions.

References:

[1] Context 3 [2] Context 4 [3] Context 12 [4] Context 6 [5] Context 7 [6] Context 9 [7] Context 13

Differential Diagnoses for Common Peroneal Nerve Lesion

The differential diagnosis for a common peroneal nerve lesion includes several conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as foot drop, pain in the lower extremity, or numbness. Some of these conditions are:

• Diabetic Neuropathy: A type of nerve damage that occurs due to high blood sugar levels, which can affect the common peroneal nerve.
• HIV-Associated Multiple Mononeuropathies: A condition where multiple nerves, including the common peroneal nerve, are affected due to HIV infection.
• Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis (Metastasis): A type of cancer that spreads to the meninges and can affect the common peroneal nerve.
• Neurosarcoidosis: An inflammatory condition that affects the nervous system and can cause damage to the common peroneal nerve.

These conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with symptoms such as foot drop, pain in the lower extremity, or numbness. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms.

References:

• [1] Commonly, it affects athletes and may hinder athletic performance.
• [2] Diabetic Neuropathy, HIV-Associated Multiple Mononeuropathies, Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis (Metastasis), Imaging, Neurosarcoidosis.
• [3] by LM Fortier · 2021 · Cited by 60 — It should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with foot drop, the pain of the lower extremity, or numbness of the ...
• [14] Peroneal neuropathy is the most common compressive neuropathy of the lower extremity. It should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with foot drop, the pain of the lower extremity, or numbness of the lower extremity.
• [15] Common peroneal nerve pathology is the most common lower extremity mononeuropathy.