If you have pain due to an injured peroneal nerve, you may benefit from a peroneal nerve release procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Lewis works to decompress the peroneal nerve to provide pain relief.
Several conditions can cause injury to the peroneal nerve, including a knee or leg fracture, hip replacement surgery, or knee dislocation. Nerve sheath tumors and cysts also cause compression of the peroneal nerve. Due to similar conditions with the same symptoms, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a neurological expert such as Dr. Lewis at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic.
Neurological symptoms that can contribute to peroneal nerve injury include:
Releasing the peroneal nerve may improve the following conditions:
Prior to recommending surgery, Dr. Lewis may try a number of other treatment options for peroneal nerve injury. These treatment options may include braces, orthotics, or splints to make walking easier. Physical therapy may also improve mobility.
Surgical solutions include decompressing the nerve. To treat peroneal nerve injury or a related condition such as footdrop syndrome, Dr. Lewis must first isolate the root cause. Once he determines that the problem lies in the peroneal nerve, he may recommend peroneal nerve release surgery.
During the surgery, the doctor props your foot up on a sandbag and flexes the knee by 45 degrees. The procedure starts with an oblique incision made at the top of the fibula (lower leg bone) near the back of the leg. The incision is made close to the peroneal nerve.
Dr. Lewis moves structures pressing on the peroneal nerve, including muscles and supporting tissues. To close the incision, he uses glue or absorbable sutures.
After applying a soft compression dressing, you can place weight on the knee. Typically, Dr. Lewis offers assistive devices, but patients don’t usually need them. If you have difficulty walking, ask the doctor if you can use a cane or a walker.
During the first three days, you should avoid walking and putting weight on the leg that received peroneal nerve release treatment. Keep that leg elevated frequently in the first three weeks following your surgery. This helps limit swelling that causes lower leg pain and discomfort.
If you have nylon sutures, we typically remove them two weeks after the operation. Make an appointment for two weeks following the operation so that Dr. Lewis can examine your walk, scar, edema, and any other conditions affecting the area. Generally, most people are able to go back to work in 5 to 7 days. Some clients receive a work release for up to two months for this type of operation.
Contact the Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic to learn more about peroneal nerve release. Call us at (601) 366-1011 today to schedule a consultation. We’ll find a solution that works for you.