The Relationship of Internal Topography of Peroneal Nerve at the Fibular Head and Electrodiagnositc Findings

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2004;6(2):165-169.
Published online May 10, 2004.

Abstract

Objectives: To find the relationship of internal topography of peroneal nerve at the fibular head and electrodiagnositc findings Method: Six limbs of 3 cadavers are evaluated to know how the peroneal nerve is innervating the muscles of lower extremity. We observed the fibular tunnel and extracted the peroneal nerve at that point. We stained it with hematoxillin-and-eosin and observed internal topography of peroneal nerve with microscopy. Additionally we compared it with electrodiagnostic findings of 24 patients with peroneal neuropathy. Results: In cadaver dissection, we observed that peroneal nerve has many nerve fascicles and is innervating the muscles of lower extremity with a rule. Superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) is located most laterally. Deep peroneal nerves (DPN) to extensor digitorum longus (EDL), extensor hallucis longus (EHL), extensor digitorum brevis (EDB), tibialis longus (TA) are in order from laterally to medially. In electrodiagnostic studies of 24 patients, 3 nerve fascicles of SPN and DPN to EDB, TA are evaluated. Among them, 16 patients are common peroneal neuropathy and 8 patients are deep peroneal neuropathy. In 22 limbs of the former, the abnormalities of SPN, DPN to EDB, TA are 22, 22, 8 limbs in order at nerve conduction study (NCS) and 22, 21, 17 limbs in order at electromyographic study (EMG) respectively. In 11 limbs of the latter, the abnormalities of DPN to EDB, TA are 10, 2 limbs in order at NCS and 11, 11 limbs in order at EMG respectively. Conclusion: We observed SPN, DPN to EDL, EHL, EDB, TA are in order from laterally to medially. We can find there is the relationship of internal topography at the fibular head and electrodiagnositc findings in peroneal nerve

Key Words: Peroneal nerve, Internal topography, Electrodiagnosis