Superficial Peroneal Nerve Incarceration in the Fibular Fracture Site of a Pronation External Rotation Type Ankle Fracture

Abstract

Ankle fractures are common representing up to 10% of all fractures with an incidence that is rising. Both conservative treatment and operative management of ankle fractures can lead to excellent outcomes. Neurovascular injuries are uncommon but can be a source of significant morbidity and associated poor outcome. The superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) in the lateral approach and the sural nerve in the posterolateral approach are at risk of injury. We report an unexpected finding of a superficial peroneal nerve incarcerated in the fibular fracture site of pronation external rotation type/ Weber-C ankle fracture. To the best of our knowledge we believe this to be the first English language report of an incarcerated SPN at a fibular ankle fracture site.