Occupational Compression of the Common Peroneal Nerve at the Neck of the Fibula

Excision of the origin of the upper part of the peroneus longus led to disappearance of the neurological deficits and motor and sensory impairment was seen in the distribution of the common peroneal nerve.

Abstract

Seven cases of common peroneal nerve compression were seen among farm workers. The symptoms followed working in a sitting position with forward advancement, a position commonly adopted in India for harvesting a crop and hoeing. Motor and sensory impairment was seen in the distribution of the common peroneal nerve, more marked in the distribution of the deep peroneal branch. Motor conduction time, estimated in two cases, was delayed. At exploration, the cause of the compression was found to be a tendinous arch extending along the posterior border of the peroneus longus, and curving backwards and upwards along the lateral border of the soleus. Excision of this arch, with elimination of the origin of the upper part of the peroneus longus, led to disappearance of the neurological deficits.