Evaluation and treatment of peroneal neuropathy

Peroneal nerve compromise results in the clinical complaint of weakness of the ankle dorsiflexors and evertors. This peripheral origin of foot drop has been reported due to numerous traumatic and insidious causes. Traumatic causes of nerve injury occur in association with musculoskeletal injury or with isolated nerve traction, compression, or laceration. Insidious causes include mass lesions and metabolic syndromes. The peroneal nerve is most commonly interrupted at the knee. However, the sciatic and peroneal nerves may be compromised at the hip and ankle as well. This article reviews the anatomical origin of the nerve, the etiologies of possible nerve damage, evaluation of the patient with peroneal nerve injury, and treatment of this disorder.