Nerve entrapments related to muscle herniation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Muscle herniation, a protrusion through a fascial defect, is an uncommon cause of nerve entrapment.
• This study focuses on nerve entrapments secondary to muscle herniation, excluding those related to compartment syndrome.

Observation:

• A case of superficial fibular neuropathy linked to fibularis brevis muscle herniation is presented.
• Literature review identified eleven cases of nerve entrapment due to muscle herniation.

Findings:

• The superficial fibular nerve (SFN) is most frequently entrapped by fibularis muscle herniation.
• Patients exhibit pain, numbness, paresthesias, a palpable mass, and a positive Tinel sign.
• Muscle MRI or ultrasound aids in diagnosing these lesions, with fasciotomy proving effective.

Implications:

• Superficial fibular nerve entrapment by fibularis muscle herniation is the most common presentation.
• Characteristic clinical and imaging findings facilitate diagnosis.
• Fasciotomy provides a successful treatment outcome for nerve entrapment secondary to muscle herniation.