Peroneal nerve surgery is usually performed to treat peroneal nerve compression in the leg when nonsurgical treatments are not enough to relieve symptoms, which include: pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or difficulty moving the foot and ankle. Here is more information about peroneal nerve surgery. (1)
What is peroneal nerve surgery?
Peroneal Nerve Decompression Surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pressure or entrapment of the peroneal nerve, which is located in the lower leg and is responsible for sensation and movement of certain muscles in the foot and leg.
This nerve can become compressed or trapped due to various factors, such as a dislocated knee, a direct blow to the knee or lower leg, sitting cross-legged for long periods, or certain medical conditions such as a tumor, cyst, bony prominence, or swelling. After surgery, or due to congenital causes. (1)(2)
Who needs peroneal nerve surgery?
Candidates for peroneal nerve surgery are those with very severe symptoms, or who have tried non-surgical techniques to relieve compressive symptoms without success after ruling out a disc or spinal problem. (3)
How is peroneal nerve surgery performed?
The surgeon makes an incision below the knee to access the nerve. He then releases any structures or tissue that may be compressing it, such as scar tissue, tight ligaments, or bony prominences. This helps relieve pressure on the nerve, and allows it to function properly again. (4)
Recovery after peroneal nerve surgery
Peroneal nerve surgery is a simple procedure and does not usually require an overnight stay in the hospital. (1) The patient may experience pain immediately after surgery, which can be controlled with pain relievers, and it may take several months for the nerve to fully recover. (3)
If performed alone without any additional, more complex procedures or operations, there will often be no restrictions on walking, and most patients will be encouraged to begin walking immediately after surgery to reduce swelling and prevent cramps. But if it coincides with other surgeries, there may be some restrictions, such as the need for adequate rest and avoiding prolonged standing. (1)
After surgery, some patients undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation to improve strength, flexibility and mobility in the affected area, and achieve the best possible results. (3)
Surgery success rate
The success rate of peroneal nerve surgery is high, with about 83% of people who undergo it seeing an improvement or disappearance of pain and other symptoms of nerve compression. However, in some cases, symptoms may persist due to permanent nerve damage, or the return of scar tissue after treatment. Here, the doctor may recommend repeating the surgery, after conducting a comprehensive physical examination and evaluation that confirms the validity of this diagnosis. (5)
Don’t let discomfort and pain get in the way of your daily activities! If you are experiencing symptoms such as numbness, tingling or pain in your leg, and suspect an injury or problem, make an appointment with a healthcare professional in the Bone and Joint Surgery Department at Saudi Hospital for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
the reviewer
Nerve Decompression – International Center for Limb Lengthening
Nerve Decompression Surgery – Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America
Nerve Decompression Surgery – Summit Health
Peroneal Nerve Decompression – Peripheral Nerve Surgeries – The American Center for Spine and Neurosurgery — ACSN
Patient outcome after common peroneal nerve decompression – NCBI
