Peroneal nerve compression resulting from fibular head osteophyte-like lesions.
BACKGROUND
The anatomical relationship of the fibular head with the fibular nerve is a critical point in regard to injuries of peripheral nerves in the lower extremities. In this location, the peroneal nerve may be injured due to several mechanisms, and osteophyte-like lesions can be considered as a differential diagnosis.


METHODS
The suitable literature concerning this association is reviewed and a case is presented. A 15-year-old adolescent boy presented with right peroneal nerve palsy on admission. The radiological examinations (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) demonstrated an osteophytic lesion in the head of the right fibula. The patient underwent surgical decompression of the nerve and resection of the lesion. Postoperatively, there was a complete recovery of the deficits.


CONCLUSIONS
The association of osteophyte-like bone changes and peroneal nerve palsy is rare. The differential diagnoses of these lesions include cartilaginous exostoses and osteochondromas, which may be related to hereditary multiple exostoses syndrome. The timing of the treatment plays an important role in the neurological recovery.
Flores
Leandro P
LP
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Koerbel
Andrei
A
Tatagiba
Marcos
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005360:Fibula; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D015831:Osteochondroma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D020427:Peroneal Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery