Common peroneal nerve palsy as a complication of anterior cervical operation: a case report

Common peroneal nerve palsy is a well-recognized complication following orthopedic procedure in and around the knee region. In neurosurgical practice, however, this kind of injury with regard to the patients' position is seldom reported.

We describe an immediately developed common peroneal nerve palsy in a 53-year-old slender man who underwent anterior cervical operative procedure. He suffered incomplete common peroneal nerve injury for about 8 months and during this period, he underwent 2 electromyographic examinations suggesting demyelinating injury. He received conservative treatment including physiotherapy and rigid foot orthosis and finally made a favorable but incomplete recovery.

We propose that such palsy may result from immobilization in a certain position instead of direct compression or traction of the corresponding nerve, although this is not proven. In this report, we suggest the possible risk factors, preventive measures, therapeutic options, and relevant outcome of this unwanted result.