title: Functional outcome after peroneal nerve injury.
abstract: The objective of this study was to describe muscle strength, ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) use, walking ability, participation and quality of life in patients with peroneal nerve injury. A historic cohort study (n=27) was performed with a median follow-up time of 61 months (inter quartile range 37-91). Muscle strength was assessed using the Medical Research Council scale. Perceived walking ability was assessed with the Walking Questionnaire. AFO use and problems in participation were assessed with a structured interview. The RAND-36 Health Survey was used to evaluate health-related quality of life. Muscle strength improved significantly during follow-up but 62% (16 of 26 patients, one missing value) of the patients still had paresis to some degree of ankle dorsiflexors. AFO use decreased significantly but 11% (n=3) still used an AFO at follow-up. Two-thirds (n=18) of the study population experienced some limitations in walking and climbing stairs. Decreased maximum walking distance was reported by 59 % (n=16). About half of the patients (n=13) reported some restrictions in leisure activities and 47% (n=9) of the patients with a paid job (n=19) experienced some restrictions in work. Scores on the domains physical functioning, mental health, vitality, bodily pain and general health perception of the RAND-36 were significantly lower compared with a Dutch reference group. Limitations in walking ability and participation are frequently present 5 years after peroneal nerve injury. Health-related quality of life was lower than in a reference group.
authors.affiliation: Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ingrid L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: de Bruijn
authors.forename: Jan H B
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Geertzen
authors.forename: Pieter U
authors.initials: PU
authors.lastname: Dijkstra
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000328:Adult; D001915:Braces; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D020427:Peroneal Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation