Compressive peroneal neuropathy during harvesting season in Indian farmers

Thirty patients (34 limbs) with compressive peroneal neuropathy induced by prolonged squatting of more than 5 h during harvesting season were treated conservatively and followed-up to an average of 28.2 months. A marked preponderance of involvement of the left side was noticed. We attribute this to the intermittent extension of the right lower limb habitually used by Indian farmers to propel themselves forwards while squatting during harvesting. All but two lesions recovered fully within 3 to 9 weeks: one patient took 16 and another 20 weeks. We recommend non-operative treatment for this benign lesion.