Clinico-radiological review of peripheral entrapment neuropathies - Part 2 Lower limb

This review discusses the relevant anatomy, etiopathogenesis, current notions in clinical and imaging features as well as management outline of lower limb entrapment neuropathies.

The review is based on critical analysis of the current literature as well as our experience in dealing with entrapment neuropathies of the lower limb.

The complex anatomical network of nerves supplying the lower extremities are prone to entrapment by a heterogenous group of etiologies. This leads to diverse clinical manifestations making them difficult to diagnose with traditional methods such as clinical examination and electrodiagnostic studies. Moreover, some of these may mimic other common conditions such as disc pain or fibromyalgia leading to delay in diagnosis and increasing morbidity. Addition of imaging improves the diagnostic accuracy and also help in correct treatment of these entities. Magnetic resonance imaging is very useful for deeply situated nerves in pelvis and thigh while ultrasound is well validated for superficial entrapment neuropathies.

The rapidly changing concepts in these conditions accompanied by the advances in imaging has made it essential for a clinical radiologist to be well-informed with the current best practices.