Common peroneal nerve palsy in maxillofacial surgery setting

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Common peroneal nerve palsy is an infrequent complication in maxillofacial surgery.
• This case report details a patient experiencing this palsy post-pan facial fracture repair.

Observation:

• The patient developed common peroneal nerve palsy on the second postoperative day.
• Symptoms resolved with conservative management over three months.

Findings:

• The palsy is likely due to compression of the common peroneal nerve from patient positioning during the perioperative period.
• Patient and surgery-specific risk factors may also contribute to nerve injury.

Implications:

• Meticulous attention to patient positioning during and after maxillofacial surgery is vital for preventing common peroneal nerve palsy.
• This highlights the importance of risk assessment and preventative measures for susceptible patients.