Spontaneous Recovery of Common Peroneal Nerve Function After Multiligamentous Knee Injury: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Multiligamentous knee injuries can result in significant neurological deficits.
• Common peroneal nerve palsy is a known complication, impacting motor function.
• Spontaneous recovery patterns after severe nerve injury are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of complete common peroneal nerve motor palsy after a multiligamentous knee injury.
• To document the recovery process and outcomes following surgical intervention and neurolysis.
• To discuss the potential for late spontaneous recovery in such cases.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an 18-year-old male with a multiligamentous knee injury.
• Surgical reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, and posterolateral corner.
• Neurolysis of the common peroneal nerve was performed.
• Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess nerve function.

Main Results:

• The patient sustained a complete common peroneal nerve motor palsy.
• Initial EMG findings indicated poor nerve recovery prognosis.
• Spontaneous recovery of peroneal nerve function was observed 13 months post-surgery.
• Functional improvement was noted despite initial poor electrodiagnostic results.

Conclusions:

• Late spontaneous recovery of common peroneal nerve function is possible after severe injury.
• Complete peroneal nerve palsy following multiligamentous knee injury does not preclude eventual recovery.
• Conservative management, including physical therapy, may be a reasonable approach given the potential for late spontaneous recovery.