Isolated sural neuropathy presenting as lateral ankle pain

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Occupational Medicine

Background:

• Sural neuropathy is an uncommon condition.
• Trauma is identified as the leading cause of isolated sural neuropathy.

Observation:

• A 26-year-old female grocery clerk presented with unilateral lateral ankle pain and impaired work performance.
• Clinical and electrophysiological assessments confirmed a diagnosis of traumatic sural neuropathy.

Findings:

• The case highlights the importance of considering sural neuropathy in patients with lateral ankle pain and sensory loss in the sural nerve distribution.
• Electrophysiologic features, anatomy, and clinical findings were reviewed in relation to the patient's isolated sural neuropathy.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of neuropathic origin is crucial for effective management, differentiating it from musculoskeletal causes of ankle pain.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of traumatic sural neuropathy can lead to excellent patient outcomes and return to work.